Is is possible

[loopyh]

to practise the forward seat required for gallop whilst cantering in a school?

Just wondered as it was suggested we have a gallop on a hack the other day and I have never done the forward seat or the galloping bit before - think I would feel more confident if I'd as least tried the position. Or is this a really stupid question?

[wanabe]

It's a very good question (or I'm as stupid as you :) ). I've been thinking about trying this but the forward seat means putting your weight forward and that's a signal to my lesson horse to speed up uncontrollably -- so I'm am bit hesitant to try this.

[Ptaty70]

If you feel safe to do so (cos forward seat can mean faster), yes! practice at canter! absolutely!

Just make sure you are feeling safe and your horse won't go 'wey heeeeeey'.

It's a good way of practicing. Your weight needs to be balanced in the middle, not putting weight on the forehand as this will make you insecure if they peck or do something. think of your balance and where your weight is.. nice stable legs and low centre of gravity..

[loopyh]

I think my main concern is that if I tried galloping and the forward seat out on a hack and I got it wrong - went to far forward or horse stopped suddenly or something like that I would go head first. Is it just me but I have some weird thoughts go through my head sometimes.

[rabbit]

My instructor had me cantering around the arena in 2 point position to help with lower leg position. So yes, its possible to ride in a forward seat - at least your horse won't be able to bolt too much in an arena.

[sugarcubes]

i would deffinately try it. Ask your instructer to put a neck strap on or show you how to bridge your reins for support if you need it.

[carthorse]

It's a really good idea to practise in the school before trying it out hacking. Like Ptaty70 says your weight should be central & secured down your lower leg, not tipped forward, and it can take a bit of practise before you get it right. It's a very good way of securing your lower leg position, when you can do it in canter try it in trot & feel those leg muscles work!!

[nelle]

I think my main concern is that if I tried galloping and the forward seat out on a hack and I got it wrong - went to far forward or horse stopped suddenly or something like that I would go head first. Is it just me but I have some weird thoughts go through my head sometimes.

No its not just you, I have these types of thoughts all the time. But as for riding forward seat in the school - yes you can, I've been practising lately and find it much easier on one rein that the other.

[horseygirl123]

I would most definately practice forward seat in canter b4 trying it out on a hack (its not as hard as you would think ;) )
Why not ask if your RI will put you on the lunge then that way you can practice your forward seat without worrying that the horse will take off with you.

[coverblown]

you can try 2 point in trot or even walk as well

[Ginger Thing]

I never cantered any other way for years! My trainer has had a difficult job trying to perfect my dressage position as I never had my bum in the saddle at canter - I am much better now, don't bounce about but it's been a struggle!

[laura jeanne]

Here's a link to 2 videos on galloping your horse.

http://www.horsecity.com/training/paulindex.shtml#

[laura jeanne]

Sorry, that link doesn't seem to be working. Go to this link and click on videos and then look for In the Irons (Paul Ebersole).

http://www.horsecity.com/

[Lot1983]

i would deffinately try it. Ask your instructer to put a neck strap on or show you how to bridge your reins for support if you need it.

You shouldn't bridge your reins for balance, you should bridge you reins so that the horse is only pulling against himself, you shouldn't use his mouth for balance. But a neck strap is good! :D

I find that if I warm my horse up, if I go in 2 point position to canter it always perks him up as opposed to me sitting to canter whilst warming him up.

I love galloping, I'm sure I was galloping before I was cantering, due to a combination of a very small areana and a very feisty pony!:D