Second Time Cantering: Much Better!!

[luv2ride]

Thank you all so much for your advice. In my lesson today, we trotted a little at first, then my instructor told me to ask for canter. Well, I thought canter like one of you said and I did!! I think before I was so worried about getting the horse to canter, that I was just trying to hard. We canter a little outside the arena, then we went in so I could practice turning corners. In one corner, my instructor said this time I could keep going around the turn if I felt comfortable. I did, and the canter just felt so wonderful!! I cantered around the whole arena. I know this my not sound like a big deal, but it was a major stepping stone for me. My instructor couldn't believe the change in me from my last lesson. I know every lesson won't be like this, but this was definetly a lesson to remember. Thank you all so much for your advice!!:):):)

[moli]

I followed your first thread with interest as I am in the same boat just now. I had a lesson last night and actually managed to get a nice canter by placing my outside leg behind the girth and to my amazement it worked. It was a big deal to me and I couldn't keep the smile off my face.

I think I am also trying too hard although the pony I was riding is very flighty and she is quite hard to keep at a steady trot. I also need to work on my steering and not bouncing in sitting trot.

There is so much to think about but I think practice makes perfect.

Good luck
moli

[rachil]

Me too!! Tried cantering during a previous lesson but bounced too much and was not well balanced. Yesterday, had several goes, cantering for several strides then back to trot. As soon as I remembered to wrap my legs aroung the horse, my posture seemed to improve, the bouncing feeling went and I felt so much more secure. Like you, I went home with a big smile on my face! Can't wait to go again!!!

[Old Grey Mare]

Yaaaaahhhoooo...yes, a technical term for those times when riding feels like you always imagined it would! Luv2ride, I am soo happy for you!

Tomorrow I'm back to my weekly lessons (had to skip a week due to scheduling conflicts) and I am nervous all over again. Funny how that happens. My husband laughs and says I always do this, then look confident in the saddle. Hey, sometimes looks DO fool everyone.

Anyway, tell you all if my cantering still manages to be smooth sailing after tomorrow!

[patrish_95437]

I am in my 50 and just bought a horse and I am taking lessons, I have been trotting and only have cantored on the lunge line with my instructor. I didn't have a good enough seat and bounced around. I am nervous about trying it too and will feel like I have reached a big goal when I accomplish it. I have been on trail rides and I am enjoying my new horse. I was a nervous rider as my first horse that i bought had bucked me off and was to green for me so I had to sell him for a older quieter horse. finally have the perfect horse for me. Pat