Team PracThe key to training canter pirouettes is progressively developing the collection, bend and suppleness needed for the final product—a fluid 360-degree turn in canter. You need to begin your training much earlier than during the horse’s advanced work. Before working on the pirouettes, it is essential that Second Level is mastered and you and your horse are well on the way to mastering Third Level. When ridden correctly, all of the lateral movements and required collection introduced at Second and Third Levels will develop the connection, suppleness and balance of your horse—the prerequisites for properly training the pirouette. Once you confirm the Third Level work, you should be ready to train ultra collection, also known as the pirouette canter. This is more collected than collected canter and encourages the high level of engagement, lightness of the forehand and self-carriage required to perform the pirouette.
Test Exercise
To see if you are truly well on your way to mastering Third Level collection and suppleness and ready to work the pirouette canter, try the following exercise. It will show you if you have holes in your training that need to be addressed. Although the exercise is not easy, if you are successful at using your half-halts to help your horse complete it with some accuracy, impulsion and throughness, you are ready to start canter pirouette work. Try this exercise on both leads to ensure that you are developing your horse’s athletic ability equally on both sides (see photos by Susan J. Stickle below of Shannon Dueck and PRE stallion Sentimiento, owned by Tamara Gerber):