lean forward or back in canter?

[HorseHappy]

Hi! I started cantering about 6 weeks ago. My problem is that 1 instructor told me to 'lean back' to the point that I feel like I'm reclining. She says I'm not reclining but actually sitting up straight, it just feels like I'm reclining. This was on a big(17 hand) bouncy horse. A few weeks later at a different barn an instructor told me I need to lean forward. She says I'm leaning too far back even when I'm not in the 'recliner' position.

The 'recliner' position seems to work best for me - definitely not as bouncy. Much more secure feeling.

The first instructor has a degree in equitation, the second has no formal training but grew up around horses and owns her own stable.

I'm confused.

[cvb]

hmm

well in general you want to stay in balance over the horse's centre of gravity - and be with the movement, neither in front or behind.

So if you're really speeding, you may need a slightly forward seat (or if you're a jockey, even more so ;) )

However, in general you just want to sit tall and straight.

Both this trainers will be teaching what they see on the day, so both could actually be right. Beginners tend to be more influenced by the saddle so you could be being "placed" differently in each case and hence give a different starting point. Or you could be reacting to the horses differently ?

It does help if there are mirrors around so you can check yourself what "straight" is and what it feels like with a particular horse and saddle.

[HorseHappy]

Or you could be reacting to the horses differently ?

I wondered about that. One horse is very large and round (17.1 hd trakener) with a very large bouncy stride (both trot and canter). The other is a relatively small (less than 15 hands) and sleeker and has a very short stride. I'm going to bring a video camera to some future lesson and see what it is exactly I'm doing. Thanks.

[Wobblydeb]

My instructor has tried both methods with me - I think of them as forward seat (where your weight should actually be just off the saddle) and dressage seat (I feel like I am reclining doing this too).

I understand it like this - use forward seat with weight out of saddle e.g. when you are hacking to take weight off the horses back - also helps if you are going to be jumping. However you have to get the weight off the saddle, because as you are leaning forwards slightly, you are not as capable of opening and closing your hips to absorb the horses movement. Plus you are more likely to get pitched over the front if the back of the seat DOES catch your bum!

I find "dressage seat" (my name for it!) easier - I am guessing because you are more open in the hips, it is easier to flex with the horses body movement. Plus I also find it easier around corners because I am more "attached" to the horses - plus you aren't putting extra effort into keeping weight out of the saddle. The only difficulty I find with this seat is switching back to rising trot afterwards - I think it will come in time... :)

[cvb]

these two methods depend on what you are trying to achieve as well

e.g. say the problem is the horse getting their hind leg through and under. Then you are likely to lighten your seat to free the back and hind legs.

but if the horse is going on the forehand, this would make it worse.

Say the horse is putting all its weight forward and hence is unbalanced. Then you want the "dressage" version. But if the horse is struggling to come through from behind, this may restrict him further.

Of course if you are on a schooled, supple horse - you should just sit "normally" - which depends on whether you're doing dressage, jumping etc.

[danielle:>]

I've always been told to lean back slightly in canter . I think you lean back but then the horses movement pushes you forward o it makes you sit straight . I feel if I just sit straight I end up tipping forward slightly , putting me and the horse off balance .
I think the forward seat makes the horse move forward quicker , but have never been taught to use this so don't know much . But I feel like i have to change my riding style with each horse I ride , so it should just be what is most comfortable for you and the horse . But i prefer leaning back slightly . Hope this has helped . :)

Danielle
xxx

[dancing-horse]

I would listen to the first instructor with the degree in equiation. She seems to have a solid ground on what she's talking about. I lean back when I canter and I find it much more simple to strenghthen my thighs and keep my balance. Im not saying the 2nd instructor has no idea what she's talking about. As a person who grew up around horses, she has an idea what she is talking about, but I find it much more effective to lean back than forward which could throw off your balance.

[HorseHappy]

Well, I now see what my instructor was saying. I was at a dressage show this weekend and saw some really good riders canter. You do sort of lean back. It looks like the rider is in a rocking chair. As the horse moves, the rider is forced (for lack of a better word) back and then up straight, then back, etc.

Also, I can see where the rider's rear-end is 'dusting' the seat - a term my instructor used.


Next question and I might start a new thread on this - What are the major differences between Dressage and Non-Dressage english riding? A friend is taking english lessons but not dressage and I am doing dressage. Sometimes it seems we are being told to do the exact opposite things while cantering, sitting the trot, etc. Is this possible? It seems to me that good form should be basically the same, with the dressage training teaching you more finite control of the horse.

Any comments?

[kedwards]

It seems to me that good form should be basically the same, with the dressage training teaching you more finite control of the horse.

The basics are essentially the same when the goal is the same. Sometimes, however, the goals aren't the same. You're correct in saying that the dressage seat and training provide more precise control. A jockey's seat certainly doesn't provide maximum control, but it does provide more freedom for the horse and better balance at full-gallop. Those riding in SJ or XC, need to be able to move between positions that allow them to rebalance the horse, provide freedom for him to move forward at speed, and avoid interference over fences.

[tb_rider]

my trainer always tells me to lean back so your sitting strait. if you lean forward your sitting in your Galloping seat. leaning to far forward in the canter can cause you to go over the head if he tripps or spooks.