Canadian dressage rider Shannon Dueck, who has trained with renowned trainer Carl Hester for over a decade, emphasizes the importance of the canter leg yield exercise in developing a supple, straight horse. Although not part of formal dressage tests, this movement is foundational for creating bend, engaging the inside hind leg, and establishing the crucial inside-leg-to-outside-rein connection. This connection leads to correct shoulder-fore positioning, which is essential before progressing to more advanced lateral movements like shoulder-in, haunches-in, and half-pass. Dueck stresses the importance of rewarding the horse’s attempts and allowing some initial overreaction to aids without confusion or punishment.

Dueck also highlights the significance of practicing canter leg yields both away from the inside leg and the outside leg to develop suppleness and straightness, which are key to advanced maneuvers such as pirouettes and flying changes. She provides practical exercises for riders at lower and upper levels, encouraging gradual progression and patience. Common mistakes include losing correct seat alignment and expecting perfection too soon; instead, riders should focus on clear communication, rewarding effort, and returning to simpler exercises if needed to build confidence and understanding in the horse.