Look no hands!!!

[whoa]

My instructor suggested I have a lunge lesson and do some cantering without reins. This all sounds a bit scarey and more like a circus act, next she'll have me standing on the saddle juggling knives! Seriously though what is it like? I guess I shouldn't be using reins for balance which is why she suggested it as in my last lesson I kept pulling back in the canter when I started to feel just the least bit out of control - generally about 99% of the time ;)
In my defence I'd like to say I dont have so much of a problem when I'm on a nice big horse it's just these cheeky little ponies (see previous thread "oh dear").

[sallym]

This will be really good for you. Go for it! It will help your seat as well as your hands.

Good luck and enjoy it.

Sally

[SwiftwindSpirit]

I have the same problem in canter. I accidently pull back on the reins whenever I think the horse is speeding up too much, or if I feel like I have no control. I have mainly gotten rid of this bad habbit by practising canter more often, but sometimes I do it without even noticing, but my instructor will always let me know! :o That sounds a bit scary cantering with no reins, what was it like? I'm sure it'd be much easier if you pretended you were holding reins in yours hands! hehe ;) Good job for giving it a go!

[whoa]

I haven't done it yet, and as good for me as it might be I'm kind of hoping they forget tomorrow when I have my lesson!!
I've done cantering on the lunge before (with reins) and I really didn't like it, mainly because I dont like not being in control (although I'm not sure if I am off the lunge!) but also it seems harder to keep my balance when I'm going round and round in circles.

[FreedomStar]

it's very good for balance. I've done it plenty, but if you're feeling nervous, hold your reins in one hand and the other put it in random places, like on your knee, or on top of your helmet, or behind your back, or straight out to the side. It helps a ton with balance, and you've got one hand on the reins if you want to adjust speed. But no reins is very good and helps. Tie your reins into a knot first so that they don't get in the way, and since you'll be on the longe, your instructor will be in charge and will control the horses speed.

[Pooh BearTB]

When I first started cantering with no reins, my instructore let me hold them untill the horse got in to the canter and then drop them. After a couple go arounds on the lounge line I was able to go into the canter with no reins(and no stirp ups).

[Gods Property]

definately do it! great practice and teaches you to trust the horse:)

[ponytude]

Relax. You will do fine. Your instructor has to keep you safe. i want to do this now! I never thought of it really, yet. Relax tommorrow. If you dont you know your horse will pick up on it. Your instructors trying to get you used to the canter minus the reins. Good luck and relax!!!:D:D:D
ps: before you go maybe stretch to relax and lossen up. I know you will do great!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D