Olympic medallist Laura Tomlinson provides guidance on achieving an effective extended canter, emphasizing balance and ground cover over mere speed. In an exclusive article, she explains how riders can avoid common pitfalls to impress judges. The advice highlights the importance of maintaining an uphill frame without accelerating the horse.
Extended canter is a highlight in dressage, allowing riders to showcase power and stride length. However, as Tomlinson notes, what feels impressive from the saddle may appear as uncontrolled speed to judges at C. "Ideally, the horse doesn’t particularly speed up. They should stay open and uphill in the frame, with that bit more ground cover," she explains in the Horse & Hound article published on January 25, 2026.
Tomlinson stresses that the movement requires counter-intuitive control: more ground coverage without increased pace. Riders often unravel by pushing too hard, leading the horse to plough onto the forehand and lose balance, straightness, or line. Successful extended canters demonstrate maximum stride length while preserving jump and poise, making the performance look effortless.
Drawing from her Olympic experience, Tomlinson advises focusing on lift and uphill balance to cover ground effectively, akin to top horses like Glamourdale. This approach not only scores well but exposes underlying issues if neglected, such as control problems in just a few strides. The article, aimed at H&H subscribers, underscores the judge's desire for an open frame without sacrificing the movement's core elements.