how do i keep my back straight when i'm riding??

[Talou]

hi, i know... it' a stupid question but i can't stop leaning forward when i'm trotting or cantering! It's really getting on my nerves but i can't help it.:(
Does anyone have any sugggestions plz???? I would really appreciate it!

[jovi_y2k2]

have you tried lessons on the lunge without stirrups? they're great for helping with balance and really teaches you to sit with a deep seat and straight back. i used to do that all the time and i had lessons on the lunge and it helped me, plus when i ride i consciously think to myself to sit back and deep and eventually it become second nature!

[Talou]

I did try it without stirrups and it helps me a lot. I guess it will just take time to get it right and i'm willing to wait as long as it takes!:)
But sometimes i get frustrated u know. Anyway thx for the advice i'll try it.;)

[Wally]

You have yet to truly master a soft, light and balanced seat at walk by the sound of it.

You must have the true feel of what EXACTLY the horse is doing under you at walk and how to sit to it, then trot, but only 4 or 5 steps at a time then 6 then 7 until you can truly "feel" what the horse is doing.

Feel your seat bones, one either side of your backside. You'll feel you can rock on them back and fortth like the rockers on a rocking chair. Your head and shoulders are still, light and poised while this is going on. At the same time as the horse steps under with a hind leg the same side of his back and bum will dip to that side.....so will your seat, so you should be rocking gently on your seatbones forward and back and at the same time each hip will dip and the other rise. SO you will see that at no time is your back truly straight as your spine isn't designed to be straight. It should be dynamic and moving with the horse.

Now at trot this simple exercise will be perfomed the same only it will happen faster and with more flex and in the spine and more dip (depending on the horse's movement) than in walk.

Now lift up that rib cage, take a deep breath in, hold it then breath out but stay poise dbut totally relaxed. This is where your stomach muscles will come into thier own, if they ain't strong you will not be able to hold this position without tension for any length of time. This is why you should only build up to long spells of sitting trot a bit at a time. it is better to do 5 really good steps of sitting trot than 3 circuits of the school out of balance and like a sack of tatties.

In canter try for a still, poised position, no polishing the seat, no rowing with the arms or shoulders. Grow taller with each stride lifting your rib cage and belly button the the roof. Shoulders back and lift up your eyes. Be a cork on a wave, you'll find that the same rocking back and forth on the seat bones, not moving them in the saddle just rocking, will help.

Best of luck.

[Kerry's Partner]

I really like the cork on a wave. If ever I get a bit in her mouth I will do this one - it's the best analogy I've ever heard.