Falling Off

[Nikki21]

I'm quite new to this riding thing and everything seemed to be going along well until I got to cantering. My problem is that I fall off every time. It's starting to get a bit frustrating, not to mention painful. Any bright ideas?

[Silvia]

Could you describe a bit more what the problem is? Not enough balance? Or does the horse buck? Do you have an instructor - what does she say?
Silvia :)

[Morning Dew]

Hello Nikki 21,
If you do take lessons I always find it easier to start working on my cantering postion with a slow easy going horse?pony.have you master the posting and sitting trot yet,when I started riding i had to do this before my teacher would think about having me canter,I had to do alot of work at it not just around the arena but working with changing reins and working on coming to a good firm halt &going from walk to trot with no bobbles or getting left behind and showing good leg postion,it took about a good 6 months before i learned to canter but it was worth it becasue I had really worked on my postion and balance in the saddle in the meantime.how long have you been riding?

[luv2ride]

If you fall off while you're cantering, you need to squeeze more with your legs, bend you're knees more and push your heels down. When I canter, I try to feel the horses movement and go with it. It could also be the horse you are riding is tense or is not cantering properly because of an injury.
Hope this helps!!

[Nikki21]

Thanks for the advice. In answer to your questions, yes I do go to classes with an instructor and we agree that it's a balance problem. I've been riding for about 4-5 months (I'd never been on a horse before!) and my trotting is fine. It's just this cantering business that's got me stumped!

[Silvia]

Hello Nikki,
Try having somebody lunge you. It's easier when you don't need to bother about the reins and your aids to keep the horse going. Also you could hold onto the saddle when you feel you begin to lose balance. That's how I learned to canter. Keep trying :)
Silvia