horselover
28th Mar 2001, 03:57 AM
I meant this as a reply to the message you posted in another thread abotu your cantering problems- then it wouldn't let me delete it! :)
I used to feel more comfortable going in one dirction than the other- it was a while ago, and I can't remeber which direction it was- I think it was counterclockwise, but I am not sure.
Anyway, I was still a little shaky at the canter at that point, and I think that that was alot of it. Have you checked your stirrups to see that they are even? The one on the left side can get stretched out if not alternated occasionally with the other stirrup(b/c of mounting). Also, one side of your body may be stronger than the other- I have this problem- I always have trouble keeping my right leg still against the horse. Are you sitting evenly inthe saddle? Sometimes we unconsciously shift our wieght. Stand up in the stirrups- you have to do this after making sure they are even- and roll your hips forward, then sit down without moving your hips from the forward position.
i eventually got over it as I became more comfortable at the canter. Try starting off on your bad side at the beginning of your lesson and ending on your good side. I am sure you will too. And like Heather said, it might be the horse is heavy on the forehand, in which case, the horse needs to be trained correctly.
[Edited by horselover on 28th Mar 2001 at 04:02 AM]
I used to feel more comfortable going in one dirction than the other- it was a while ago, and I can't remeber which direction it was- I think it was counterclockwise, but I am not sure.
Anyway, I was still a little shaky at the canter at that point, and I think that that was alot of it. Have you checked your stirrups to see that they are even? The one on the left side can get stretched out if not alternated occasionally with the other stirrup(b/c of mounting). Also, one side of your body may be stronger than the other- I have this problem- I always have trouble keeping my right leg still against the horse. Are you sitting evenly inthe saddle? Sometimes we unconsciously shift our wieght. Stand up in the stirrups- you have to do this after making sure they are even- and roll your hips forward, then sit down without moving your hips from the forward position.
i eventually got over it as I became more comfortable at the canter. Try starting off on your bad side at the beginning of your lesson and ending on your good side. I am sure you will too. And like Heather said, it might be the horse is heavy on the forehand, in which case, the horse needs to be trained correctly.
[Edited by horselover on 28th Mar 2001 at 04:02 AM]