Tootsie4U
31st Oct 2002, 05:20 PM
Oh how I struggled the first few months. It was bad at first and I really got discouraged. I just want to offer up some free advice to anyone seeking it.
Your feet in stirrups: I couldnt keep them in the stirrup and I couldnt keep my heel down. What did I do? I found that this helped me the most: Instead of pushing your heel down (this isnt good to do cuz it also makes your leg stiff and therefore makes your seat very bouncy) concentrate on pointing your toes up.
Steering: Think of the reins as a door. If you want your horse to go left, use your reins like your opening the door to go left. If they need extra encouragement, use the opposite leg to push them that direction.
Keeping a deep seat: Only time will fix this. The more you ride, the more comfortable you will get. But, try this for starters. Have a longe line lesson. You dont have to worry about steering or even keeping the horse going. You can solely concentrate on relaxing your lower body. If you do this and it still isnt working, try haveing a lesson without stirrups. Without stiffups, you have no choice but to sink into the saddle.
Confidence: again, another thing that only time will fix. But, remember that a respectful horse will not question you. If you are determined in your question, you will get an immediate responce. I started riding this little paint horse. He was soooo testy. At first he intimidated me but on my third lesson I decided that I was going to ride him and he not "ride me". So I took no crap from him and every lesson since then has been trouble free. Another huge confidence booster is doing halt transitions. YOu can start at the trot and a certain point (that you pick) sink your seat, grip your stirrups, straighten your legs, and TELL the horse to halt. Try it at the canter. Remember to plan ahead, but do the same thing. If your horse is being respectful, he will stop on a dime the second he gets the command. Its a thrilling exercise!!
Cantering: and again, another thing that comes with time. Balance is the key here. Relax, sit deeply, breathe, AND GO WITH THE HORSE. Dont fight him. follow his movement with your hips. You can also try cantering without stirrups but it is a bit difficult. Only do it on straight-ways to start cuz when the horse goes around a turn, boy is it hard to stay on!!!!!
Practice, practice, practice. Ride as much as your pocket will allow ($$$ for those who didnt catch that). And, I found it helpful to take all the versions of advice that I could get. Try them all. Mine may not even work for you, but it may.... and you wont know until you try.
I recommend doing these things with an experienced trainer - especially the no-stirrup exercises. It takes alot to stay up there w/o stirrups and you may need assistance by someone watching.
Good luck. :)
Your feet in stirrups: I couldnt keep them in the stirrup and I couldnt keep my heel down. What did I do? I found that this helped me the most: Instead of pushing your heel down (this isnt good to do cuz it also makes your leg stiff and therefore makes your seat very bouncy) concentrate on pointing your toes up.
Steering: Think of the reins as a door. If you want your horse to go left, use your reins like your opening the door to go left. If they need extra encouragement, use the opposite leg to push them that direction.
Keeping a deep seat: Only time will fix this. The more you ride, the more comfortable you will get. But, try this for starters. Have a longe line lesson. You dont have to worry about steering or even keeping the horse going. You can solely concentrate on relaxing your lower body. If you do this and it still isnt working, try haveing a lesson without stirrups. Without stiffups, you have no choice but to sink into the saddle.
Confidence: again, another thing that only time will fix. But, remember that a respectful horse will not question you. If you are determined in your question, you will get an immediate responce. I started riding this little paint horse. He was soooo testy. At first he intimidated me but on my third lesson I decided that I was going to ride him and he not "ride me". So I took no crap from him and every lesson since then has been trouble free. Another huge confidence booster is doing halt transitions. YOu can start at the trot and a certain point (that you pick) sink your seat, grip your stirrups, straighten your legs, and TELL the horse to halt. Try it at the canter. Remember to plan ahead, but do the same thing. If your horse is being respectful, he will stop on a dime the second he gets the command. Its a thrilling exercise!!
Cantering: and again, another thing that comes with time. Balance is the key here. Relax, sit deeply, breathe, AND GO WITH THE HORSE. Dont fight him. follow his movement with your hips. You can also try cantering without stirrups but it is a bit difficult. Only do it on straight-ways to start cuz when the horse goes around a turn, boy is it hard to stay on!!!!!
Practice, practice, practice. Ride as much as your pocket will allow ($$$ for those who didnt catch that). And, I found it helpful to take all the versions of advice that I could get. Try them all. Mine may not even work for you, but it may.... and you wont know until you try.
I recommend doing these things with an experienced trainer - especially the no-stirrup exercises. It takes alot to stay up there w/o stirrups and you may need assistance by someone watching.
Good luck. :)