need canetring advice

[Debby Riley]

Hi I have recently starting riding again, after a bad fall whilst cantering when i was a child. I am taking lessons again after a long break and doing ok, my instructor has told me that i should and can canter ( it is me that has resisted the temptation to do so up until now. She has advised me that next lesson is the big Canter time.

i am nervous and whilst reading the many pages on cantering on here and all the accidents whilst cantering and i am wondering why i would want to do this to myself, surly there must be a good reason to canter but i can't remember what it is ~ ha ha.

I would appricate any advice on cantering, and good reason why i should do it !!! Ha Ha ( or good excuses not too )

Also even though i have weekly lessons, why am i still aching in places i did not know i had ? Does this mean that i am riding properly or badly? My instructor has told me my riding has improved so much does riding properly mean you ache all over ?

I don't remember aching so much when i was a kid, i am now 32

[snailspace]

If it makes you feel any better, I've fallen off at a trot, but not while cantering! Well, not yet, anyway (probably jinxed myself there, huh?) I think you read about falling a lot on this site because the first thing we all do when something goes wrong for us is log on here and tell everyone about it:D. Of course, for every once that someone falls, there's lots and lots of "clean runs"!

If you thought about all the accidents you could possibly get into while driving, you'd probably never get in your car, let alone drive anywhere. You know the possibility is there, but you don't dwell on it. I think of cantering and jumping (and riding in general, really) in the same way. I understand the risk is there, but I don't dwell on it.

My only real "tip" is to make yourself RELAX while cantering. Easier said than done, I know, but if you're stiff, your legs and butt move up out of the saddle and it becomes a bumpy and insecure ride. If you're relaxed, you automatically follow the horse's movements and your butt stays in the saddle.

And, about the aching, my former instructor (and she's the best, really) always said that if I wasn't aching somehow after a lesson, she wasn't doing her job right!:) (she was especially happy when I said my stomach muscles hurt!) We laugh about it, but there's a grain of truth. It just means you're using all those muscles that only get used when you ride - the ones you're supposed to be using! It will get better, but it takes awhile! Try stretching before your lesson - that helps me alot!

[kelsey]

Can you ask for a lunge lesson to get used to cantering again? That way, you don't have to worry about losing control or steering, and you can hold on to the saddle at the start if you are starting to slip.

Its easy to sit the canter when you are totally relaxed, and impossible when you are not.

[Debby Riley]

Hi Guys

Thanks for your tips, RELAX !! RELAX !! I have trouble relaxing when i am not on horseback, let alone when i am riding :D

Seriously i know what your saying, each week i am feeling more and more relaxed and confident that i can control the horse i ride which is a welsh cob type horse,15h + he knows every which way to cut corners literally in the manage and as i was more relaxed at my last lesson on sunday, he cut fewer corners ( i was ready each time ) and as i was relaxed he stayed in trot ( he stops dead when you tense up ) so that boosted my confidence no end, i kept thinking that just may be it had more to do with the crop i bought for the lesson although i didn't need to use it that he was behaving better than ever or was it me truely relaxing and enjoying it more, i think i almost smiled at one point too :)

It also made me feel better that aching is all part and parcel of riding too, and snailspace glad you mentioned the stomach muscles, Boy did i have trouble getting out of bed monday morning !!! Coughing has not been an option since then either Ha Ha I did think i must have done something wrong to ache so much, glad to hear about your instructor saying she wasn't doing her job properly if you didn't ache. I am doing something right then whoppee !!!

I am determined to master this cantering fear, lunging is not an option at the stables where i go ( have not asked though ) In my lesson is a bunch of under 12's that are completly fearless and will have a go at anything, at 32 this puts me to shame really, there is an older chap that is in my lesson that does canter (badly ) but at least he has a go eh ?? He also had trouble staying on track too so made me feel better.

I wish i had not put it off, wanted to try it last week, but chickened out, i am pleased the instructor is pushing me, as i do need that.

Back in september this year i went on a hack on a 17h massive horse resembled a shire horse, with a very strong trot, my stirrups were too long ( could not rise properly ) the young girl leading the group of very experienced riders went cantering off with me clinging on for dear life ( low trees etc worried i may get knocked off backwards) although i objected to cantering her responce was you will be okay, i was so scared and felt i had no control over the horse at all, I did not fall off even during cantering session, but as a result i fractured my coxic ( tail bone) and vowed never to ride again, pain was not the word.

I decided that i was not going to give up my dream of riding, and thought that i would be better starting again with lessons, so here i am still with the thought of this cantering session to come on sunday.

Glad you explained that riders come on here and share their experiences good and bad and i suppose i was just looking at the bad, cantering must be good as everyone does it there has to be a reason to do it........ Hopefully i will know that reason on sunday !!! Thanks guys

[cvb]

Hi Debby

Why canter ? Because its fun. :D Honest, truly, fingers crossed.

In most cases its is 'easier' than trot too. Like sitting on a rocking horse. (Once you get over the worry and the fast-time-itis).

Plus having all three basic paces means you could aspire to a dressage test !

Because there is nothing better than an in-control canter in the countryside on a lovely summers day.

Because it extends your knowledge, your relationship with the horse, your understanding of aids and of how the horse works...

(got you convinced yet ??)

[Sidesaddlelady]

Debbie - I have banged on incessantly here and elsewhere about this but you could do a lot worse than find a good - ie Side saddle Association qualified instructor - and have a few side-saddle lessons on a horse schooled properly to side-saddle. Your seat is very secure and safe and it's very good for giving you confidence. Cantering is a very pleasant experience side-saddle. I had a series of accidents while riding astride and lost my nerve a bit but side-saddle has put me back on board again. I didn't even fall off when the horse I was riding sideways decided to buck twice round a very large arena. As he was 18hands with a very spectacular buck it was quite exciting for the on-lookers but quite calm and pleasant for me!

[Cathy Reynolds]

DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU WANT TO..............but I have to say at 50, having got back into the saddle after 30 years, I'd recommend a big hard swallow, deep beath and SMILE and - what the hell, give it a go!

I agree about controlled canters hacking out (I wish!).

Even at minus whatever it was wind chill at 7.30 am today in the outdoor school it was wonderful.

[Debby Riley]

okay so there is a reason for cantering and lots too :)

You have me convienced already the thought of a controlled canter on a summers day appeals to me the most, legs aids you have lost me there though can someone explain this term? I have heard the instructor say prepare to canter to me this would mean hang on for dear life and start praying :D

as for side saddle :eek: :eek: :eek: I am not light weight hence riding cobs the thought on hanging off one side REALLY SCARES ME !!!

As for dressage test Sorry clueless on this too

Did i mention that i am a complete novice ?? incase you had not noticed ha ha

[Debby Riley]

i have to admit too that most riding school horses do tend to follow the crowd any tips on this too ??

[Debby Riley]

i have to admit too that most riding school horses do tend to follow the crowd any tips on this too ??

[Sparkle]

Sidesaddlelady- You think sidesaddle cantering is easier? I totally disagree. I tried sidesaddle once, and I nearly fell off at the canter! I know it requires new training to learn sidesaddle, and walking and trotting was fine and balanced, but the canter just seemed uncomfortably akward. It was my first time riding sidesaddle; pherhaps this is the reason? I enjoyed riding sidesaddle and all, but I have never felt that akward when riding astride- it felt like I was being pitched out of the saddle!

[Sidesaddlelady]

The whole point about side saddle is that you aren't hanging off the side. The placing of the pommels doesn't allow you to fall off. In fact viewed from behind it should be almost impossible to tell the difference between an astride rider and a side saddle rider. Have a look at the article on sidesaddle riding elswhere on this site or on back issues of the "Horse-Hackers" site. I tried to explain with a fairly drastic illustration that sidesaddle is a confidence giver because it is a much more secure seat than astride. (In the old days when women were killed out hunting side saddle it was because their seat was so secure - they couldn't bale out and the horse fell on them). I know several ladies who hunt side saddle every week and we have an area Team Chase ladies team who compete against astride riders and frequently win. Further more the old male grooms would often school difficult horses in side saddle because they were less easily thrown and could attend to the job in hand. The point is that side sadle is SAFE.

[Georgie B]

I'm also 32 and did the horsey thing late and am I glad I did! I say go for (but only if you feel you are ready). Why? Because one day you will be out in the countryside, maybe in a HUGE piece of land and you will be cantering along at one with your horse and then you will decide to go up to a gallop (or the horse will !! :-) ) and it is TRULY the most wonderful feeling - nothing will ever compare to it - and that after the first time of doing this you will maybe have a little cry of sheer exhileration and joy. If you want to feel this then I say GO FOR IT and learn and one day you too will experience this most special feeling - it can't really be explained - you have to do it to understand what I'm trying to get across. Best wishes for your next lesson - relax and go with the flow - you can always ask the horse to slow down can't you. About your muscles - in time they will get used to you using them - do some stretches before and after if you can. Good luck

[Sidesaddlelady]

Sparkle - No instructress (and it does need to be a female) worth her salt should have let you canter on a first side saddle lesson. Was she a Side-Saddle Association qualified instructor? It is said (or used to be said in a less broad-minded age) that only a married lady understands the correct motion of the pelvis for cantering side-saddle! Don't be put off - with proper instruction S/S cantering is absolutely delightful and MUCH more comfortable than trotting which is the pace that puts a lot of people off. For your next try concentrate on keeping your left hip forward and your right shoulder back - it holds you on and makes you more comfortable. Do have another go under more auspicious circumstances.

Henri - who's been riding astride for nearly 50 years and side saddle for about 7. Now I ride S/S nearly all the time.

[cvb]

Originally posted by Debby Riley
I have heard the instructor say prepare to canter to me this would mean hang on for dear life and start praying :D


I'm hoping this is not entirely serious ;) Before anyone asks you to canter they should explain the "HOW" bit ! How do you prepare, how do you ask, how do you stop !

One thing you need to remember is that you should NOT need to go faster to get canter :) YOu DO need to tell the horse what you want, by using your legs in a particular way (your instructor should explain this).

And preparing normally involves a few strides of sitting trot at this level.

Don't forget to breathe !:D

[snailspace]

Please, please ask your instructor about a lunge lesson! The only reason I can think of why it wouldn't be an option is if they don't have an area with suitable footing. But I'm assuming there's some kind of arena (school) that you ride in. If they offer lessons and/or train horses, they should have the equipment, and the knowlege to do it. I'm surprised you've never had a lunge lesson, because that's how I started with everything - walk, sitting/rising trot, and canter.

I think it especially helped me in canter because I felt very out of control at first. Being able to concentrate on your seat without worrying about where the horse is going will go a long way in helping you gain your confidence in canter.

[Debby Riley]

CVB

I was joking about hanging on for dear lfe and praying, but i am sure you know that

Leg aids have never been explained to me, all you hear during the lessons is " more leg " I have pratically worked out for myself how to keep the horse in trot, especially round the corners, rightly or wrongly i squeeze slightly with my leg nearest to the centre of the manage and kick on with my outside leg, is this wrong?

As i understand it to canter it is the same except the outside leg is further back to than in trot. Almost at 45 degrees up to your butt.

Please help as i really want to get this riding lark down to an art so i can enjoy it.

Sidesaddle _ i do understand wher you are coming from but i did have problems finding a stable with sturdy enough horse to carry my weight of 14 stone 9 lb, let alone find a riding school locally that could teach side saddle, but if i get the chance i would try it.

[Debby Riley]

CVB

I was joking about hanging on for dear lfe and praying, but i am sure you know that

Leg aids have never been explained to me, all you hear during the lessons is " more leg " I have pratically worked out for myself how to keep the horse in trot, especially round the corners, rightly or wrongly i squeeze slightly with my leg nearest to the centre of the manage and kick on with my outside leg, is this wrong?

As i understand it to canter it is the same except the outside leg is further back to than in trot. Almost at 45 degrees up to your butt.

Please help as i really want to get this riding lark down to an art so i can enjoy it.

Sidesaddle _ i do understand wher you are coming from but i did have problems finding a stable with sturdy enough horse to carry my weight of 14 stone 9 lb, let alone find a riding school locally that could teach side saddle, but if i get the chance i would try it.

[Sidesaddlelady]

Debbie - to support what someone else has said a good instructor should teach you the aids but as well as telling you how, s/he should also tell you why In other words it's important to know what the effect of what you are doing has on the horse and how he reacts to it. It might be worth your while to invest in a few individual, or private, lessons so you can ask questions and work on the specifics that you find difficult or don't understand.

[cvb]

Debby

I figured you were not being literal - but with some of the tales on this board, it could have been true !

Sounds like you are doing pretty well working it out from first principles.

But don't feel you have to take your leg TOO far back to ask for canter. Take it too far back and you miss the nerves etc and start to have less effect.

There is a particular nerve that most leg aids aim to act on. It is just back from the girth - a decent book should explain where. A decent book should also explain canter aids - probably better than I can. But its good practise for me to explain, so I hope you don't mind... !

There are lots of posts on this board about the mythical "Half halt". Its worth having a look (check out a recent one where I posted some links to some of the better older ones).

Cos the first stage is to PREPARE ! And half halts are extremely useful to help say "OK horse, listen up, I am about to ask you to do something".

So plan where you want to make the transition, and check that you are in balance and happy with the trot.

Leg aids for canter - inside leg on the girth, outside slightly behind. Then you will 'nudge' with one leg to indicate its time to change. It is worth trying both ways - as some horses respond better to outside leg, and some to inside. In some cases the horse will be sensitive enough that simply moving the outside leg back will cue them. Whichever leg is not nudging will be supporting.

You are asking the horse to change from using diagonal pairs of legs to using outside hind, inside hind+outside fore, and inside fore. So there is a "good" time to ask - when the outside hind is off the floor to start the canter stride. Its quite good to develop a feel for when to ask, but if not, just be aware that you may need to allow the horse an extra stride from asking to strike off.

As canter is not a "symmetrical" gait, you will need to continue to support the horse during the canter. Soft but supporting leg. How much will depend on the horses education and fitness. Watch that the outside leg is not too far back or the horse will canter with its quarters in (makes balance and corners harder work !).

Try this - canter yourself ! You will find you 'lead' with one leg, and one hip is slightly ahead. This is pretty much how you will end up when you are sitting on the horse. The amount of 'back' in your outside leg is pretty much the amount of turn in your hip. i.e. take the leg back from the HIP not from the knee or ankle. Sounds silly, but it is worth having some fun trotting and cantering around yourself. :D You might get some funny looks though, as you skip about !

Not sure how much to waffle on - is this useful ? Enough ? Need more ?

[Arabesque]

cvb I canter about all the time! I have done it ever since I was a little horseless horsemad kiddie! Since riding a lot more I have noticed that I am very onesided and always lead with the same leg on the straight, but if I take it up on a bend I lead off with my 'correct foreleg'! Okay, I've scared everyone now, but its worth trying as a learning experience!

[cvb]

There were some articles on a guy who teaches like this, with the people on foot doing the movements themselves - a few years back.

He got them using legs and arms as the four legs, whereas most people (inc. me) will just canter with their legs and their upper body becomes the rider (like a centaur !). If its something reallt tough I might try arms too.

I find it helps when I want to break down lateral work or turns. Just stand there and do it myself, thinking where my weight is going to free up the leg I want to move.

People think you're nuts - but then if they are non-riders they figure that anyway, and if they are riders they normally want to try it themselves !

[Debby Riley]

Thanks for all the tips and advice about cantering, i still have a few more questions if you don't mind please do not laugh,

firstly how do you know if your cantering on the right leg?

2) I get so confused about about inside leg and outside leg and tips to help me on this too.

I have gone one better than cantering around myself, i have a great husband that thought that if he played horse that it would help me, it did but we both ended up on the floor in fits of laughter and our dog was amused too, did help but i got a stich from laughing so much !!

:D

[cvb]

the outside leg is the one the instructor can't see !;) That is of course, not counting instructors who can see through walls, round corners, ..........

On your own two legs, "canter" in a circle. One way will feel REALLY uncomfortable. If you "lead" with your inside leg (if cantering clockwise, its your left leg) it should be easier. Same for the horse. Over time you will be able to feel it. But in the meantime, look down (just with your eyes, not with your head !) at the shoulder on the inside of the circle, and it should be stretching out in front on every stride.

[Debby Riley]

I would like to say a HUGE BIG THANK YOU to all of you that helped with my cantering question.

I cantered today in lesson and it was WONDERFUL and yes i did remember to breath too, okay so the canter was only a few strides but i kept going over in my head what you had all shared with me, and just "went for it" and throughly enjoyed it, the horse i ride a welsh cob was great he slowed to trot just when i was getting nervousand off balance and cantered when i was ready again, so i think all the credit has to go to you guys and Romany the horse !!

Thanks for such a wonderful experience, i am no longer scared to death about cantering and my bad past experinces have been locked away for good now

thank you again from one happy horse rider !!

[snailspace]

That's wonderful Debby! Isn't it a great feeling to know you've conquered the fear of cantering? Now you can concentrate on having fun:D

[galadriel]

Confidence is such a wonderful thing when you've got it, yes? :) Congrats!

[Debby Riley]

many thanks for all your congratulations, i can't wait to get back in the saddle again and have another go, yes this is where the fun begins eh :)

I have well and truly got the horsey bug again, next step either finding a horse to share/loan or am i being too ambious in thinking about buying my own horse ermmmmmmmmmmm probably what do you guys think?

I am going to see if my local stables needs some help over the Christmas period, 9-5 workplace shut for 10 days whoppee, also there is a Horse rescue place that have ask me to come in for a chat too, to help out there, that is one job that i would not mind bring my work home with me Ha ha

help guys what should i do ??? I am i trying to gallop when i can barely canter excuse the pun

[annej]

i don't think your'e jumping the gun to think about getting a share of a horse.

I took riding lessons for a year before i got part share of a naughty but lovely pony. I still have lessons every week but have learnt more in a month on him, than in a year of riding school lessons.

i think that once you have learnt the basics you will progress much faster with your own horse, as you get time to practice in between lessons. it can be diffcult to find the right horse to share but needn,t cost that much - i pay 40 pounds a month to ride 3 times a week and muck out etc.

good luck!

[Debby Riley]

hi there, thanks for the tips on horse sharing i am going to post a question on the general forum to get as much advice as poss on sharing to weigh up the pro's and cons so if you have more advice it would be most welcome

thank you