Standing when cantering

[Kazzie]

My husband is having lessons regularly and was told by his instructor that when hacking out he should stand in the stirrups to canter. Is this correct?

I must admit that I haven't had a lesson for absolutely years but I don't remember being told that this was the case and have always sat to canter - I only stand in the stirrups when galloping.

I'd be very interesting in receiving comments.

Thanks

Kaz

[baxter]

a fast canter i think is usually best out of the saddle.... frees the horses back, and most definitely for a gallop...
I'd get your husband to clarify the point with his instructor.

[sophie33]

I'm no expert but my teacher told me that I had to learn to sit to the canter first, as that gives far more control than a forward seat, but that once I had mastered that I might well choose to adopt a forward seating when cantering out. I have tried it and did seem a very easy way of cantering.

[Skyhuntress]

Hehe, is that like the showjumpers who post the canter every 2nd stride? :p

In general, you do want to sit the canter, but if you were going for a hack, chances are the canter will get faster, and it is easier to stand up in the stirrups or go into a two point.

[ajhainey]

Sit in the school - rise when out. I ride with several places that insist you take forward seat for almost all canters - to save the horses backs on long rides I assume?

aj xx

[Bertie]

I believe that standing when cantering is usually for when you may possibly be cantering on slightly uneven ground - usually encountered when out hacking, I think it's meant to help you and the horse stay balanced.

I think that rather than a stand position it's more of a lightened seat, similar to jumping to help free the hind quarters :)

If I'm wrong please feel free to correct me :)

[sweuzo]

i think you are supposed to when out on a hack, like you do in gallop (not standing straight up) as the ground may be hard, uneven etc etc..

[Bay Mare]

I think that rather than a stand position it's more of a lightened seat, similar to jumping to help free the hind quarters :)

If I'm wrong please feel free to correct me :)

No, that's the way I think of it too ... bum back, hands forward and follow the movement.

[Cherokee]

I agree with Bay Mare - you don't have to go into a light seat when hacking but it is comfier for the horse and often when out hacking the ground is quite uneven so the canter can be hard to sit too which makes it easier to get out of the saddle and balance in a jumping position.

[Kazzie]

Thanks to everyone for their answers... much appreciated!

Kaz x

[Blair Witch]

I never knew you were suppose to rise when you canter while on a hack. I thought it was only for gallop. I'm happy I came across this.

[Retty]

I sit into the canter if I am on very even ground and doing a collected canter when out hacking.. if I am wanting a more forward canter and/or the ground is not so even then I stand slightly to the canter, we just hack out and don't ride in the school but still do both depending on terrain and speed :)

[teapot]

a forward seat is mainly for a faster canter and gallop out hacking as well as putting your stirrups up 2 holes

However to do it effectively, you need very strong thighs otherwise it hurts (been there!)

[num]

what's it mean to be out on a hack?
i'm a newb :o

[Cherokee]

A hack is when you go for a ride in the countryside , field , vilage etc rather than riding in a school or arena.