Help! Western Riders...!

[SSage]

Hello everyone, I hope Outrider is reading this as well. OK, our instructor says we are ready to canter in the arena now. Yikes, I've only cantered on the trail in a straight line, and only for short distances, never in a small arena, and not since last summer!

Please give me advice and something to think about as far as technique, position to sit, transition from the trot etc. I know the cantering question comes up regularly here, but pleaasssse, one more time?? :) :) :)

Thanks,
Shelley and Sage

[Outrider]

Hi Shelly! Nice to hear from you again. Firstly, don't worry about it. You can do this. Just sit deeper in the saddle, relax and grip with your knees but not too much. Just enough to maintain balance. Move with your horse's movements. You will feel the natural rythm of the canter. As he moves around the circle of the arena, just move with him. Don't hold the reins too tightly or he will throw his head, but not too loose or he will go faster than you want. Watch his ears and head for signals and relax and have fun. Remember, Sage will know if you are nervous and that will make him nervous too. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Happy Trails!

[horselover]

If you have cantered out on the trail, then I am sure that you will do well in the arena. The westren lope is very slow and relaxed in comparison to the English canter, so just sit deeep in the saddle and let your hips move with the motion of the horse.

Those of you who read the saddle club books may recognize this next peice of advice. Pretend that there is a string from the top of your head that is pulling you up nice and tall./ Also,that there are wieghts at the bottom of your heels that are pulling your heels down and shifting your weight down into your heels. The wieght one is something I used constantly when I instrudted at summer camp and it really seems to help.

Last, smile :) :) :) have fun!! This supposed to be enjoyable, and it will be if you just relax and trust yoursef and Sage.

Enjoy!!

[SSage]

Thanks for the advice and confidence!! Much appreciated. One more question...stopping. I am worried about stopping him to abruptly. He is quite sensitive, and even at a trot, he responds and stops quickly....I don't want to go flying over his head when he puts the brakes on! :) :(

[Outrider]

No problem! When you are ready to stop, shift your weight deeper in the saddle. This alone will begin to cue Sage that you are about to stop. Sit back and up and then gently pull the reins back to you. Don't jerk them. Just like a trigger on a gun. Keep the reins level at about saddle horn or belly button height and pull back until the horse stops, then release. Happy Trails!

[horselover]

Have you ever watched reining- now that is what i call stopping quickly!! I almost lost it my first time!

Anyway, what Outrider said really works. With Western riding, you can really sit back and deep in the saddle- which you don't do in English. Since the horse stops quickly, prepeare yourself before cueing for the halt. The horse will feel you doing this and he will also be prepared. Use the reins very lightly- gentle squeeze back then release.

You'll eventually find yourself getting used to it, just takes time- like everything else in riding :) !!