HELP with canter

[icantjump]

can any one suggest how i improve on cantering with no stirrups im ok for the first few seconds but start slipping after that,

i have only done it twice but i just feel so out of control

thanks:D

[Kylie Chamberlain]

Just persuvere you'll get there:)

Learning to canter without stirrups is difficult
but my advice is to make sure you sit up tall, with your eyes up and just let your hips go with the movement

Good luck:)

Cheers,
Kylie

[ojoisland]

I agree with Kylie...try to sit up and balance, balance, balance. Goodluck and have fun!:D

[FreedomStar]

balance is a BIG part in no stirrup cantering! If you're feeling insecure cantering w/o stirrups, why don't you lengthen them so that your legs are almost straight when you put your feet in them, and then canter, to get the feel for the longer stirrups, and slowly drop them as you go on.

[virtuallyhorses]

Can you explain more about what you mean when you say you start slipping? Do you mean forward or sideways? Or do you just lose the rhythm? Do you canter with stirrups OK?

Sorry more questions rather than answers but I'm trying to picture which bit you need to 'fix' :)

[icantjump]

i can canter with stirrups ok but as soon as i try without i slip sideways :(

[friskyfilly14]

sqweeze with your thighs harder. Try and move with the horse and sit just like you would at the walk. And rember to have a good time relax and enjoy your cantering. Just feel the ponies movement and go with the flow> Lets us know how it goes!!:D
()---()Ride That pony!!!

[makebelieve]

Squeeze. I only tried it once, but I remember feeling really weird. I grip with my knees though, no pressure.

[kedwards]

If you are slipping sideways, maybe you are leaning into the turns. Focus on keeping your shoulders even, your body straight and tall, and your balance fairly equal on your two seat bones.

Don't squeeze! If you try to "grip" you'll just pull your seat away from the saddle and take away your balance. One of my friends used to ride with a dressage instructor who would have her lift her legs away from the horse while being lunged at canter. You stay on not from grip but from balance in your seat and upper body.

[nutkin]

The secret to cantering without stirrups is to stay relaxed. If you grip with your legs you will find that you will slip. Try to just keep your upper body tall and lengthen through your legs. Maybe ask your instructor to provide you with a neck strap so as you know that there is something to grab a hold of if you feel panicky and start to grip up.