Canter legs - mine!

[amylou_84]

I was put on quite a forward going mare for my lesson today. She was great as one squeeze was enough to get her moving (quite unusual for the previous RS horses i was on). One problem i had in canter was that because i was so used to having to keep my leg on that she was very fast and i just could not get my bum to sit down! My canter seat is usually ok, but im discovering my legs are obvioulsy not. I used half halts to get her in control and she began to listen to me more, but i still confused her with my leg.
Im guessing that my legs mustn't have been right, in the sense that my lower leg or heel was grazing her sides too much. Is this a thing more practice will sort?

Its just annoying as most RI horses need a lot of leg to keep going so when i actually get put on one that doesnt need leg, everything iv learned previously goes out the window! :rolleyes:

Shes definalty a horse to ask for again as i am determined to get a smooth controlled canter!

[cwb]

This is why is is so good to ride as many different horses as you can - each one will need different strengths of aids and will need a different balance too.

Given lots of practice on different horses you will find that you adjust very quickly to the horse's needs.

[Fanshawe]

Aren't horses great at showing up our weaknesses! :)

It really is lot's of practice and keeping a calm leg without too much tension in the calf. Some horses respond to a tightening of the calf muscle even if you don't move your lower leg too much. She may have felt this and so thought you wanted more speed! What did your instructor say about your lower leg?

The thigh might also need more strength (not restricting just able to hold the leg in position easier) and then it is easier to keep the lower leg stable.

Have fun! :)

[Mehitabel]

yep, completely agree with cwb. this will teach you to ride, as opposed to teaching you to ride one particular horse or type of horse. it will come!

[amylou_84]

Thanks everyone. My RI said i was over riding her. She said i needed to turn my foot in a bit so my heels wernt so tuned in. Oh and to not tense up!
She was just so much different to other horses i ride there as she was quite slim. I think she may have been on working livery.