Argh!!.. Canter Help

[puppyjohn]

Heya everyone!!

I haven't been on in a long time, and I'm sorry to say that time hasn't been spent riding. I live in Spain, and the summers are unbearably hot. I went once or twice with a friend, but came back hair plastered to head, and I also hate making the horses work in such heat. Anyway, enough excuses. It's drawing to the end of summer, I'm gonna get back into my much loved once-a-week lessons :) Yey!! Before the summer, I started cantering (and LOVED it after the initial shock) but I need some tips. Before I started canter I was nervous and came on here for some tips and lots of people said "Lean BACK!" And I did and havent fallen off in canter so far (touch wood) But I'm bouncing EVERYWHERE, arms waving widly however much I try to stop them as it'll hurt the horse, slipping out the saddle, and then the horse going back into trot!! ARRGGHH!! I know I havent been cantering long, and much of it is bound to come with experience but I long to canter like the people I watch on television and at my stables- sitting comfortably as if in walk!! Bleugh! I just need some tips on EVERYTHING to do with canter, methods, no bouncing, keeping my hands down, how to sit deep in the saddle- that kinda stuff. Thanks for any help given

Puppyjohn xx

[Jeni_92]

no advice sorry but i asked about this as i have the same problem so i know how you feel i got told to do some stirrupless work in walk and trot then maybe try in canter under supervision of an instructor. also maybe try the lunge for a lesson in canter to help with balance and your position and seat.

[sara_xx]

You need to be organised and have a good trot before you even think about cantering, make sure YOUR ready to canter-dont just do it when the RI says to. Collect your self and the horse by half-halting first and then do abit of sitting trot then ask for canter. If your no good at sitting trot work on that first, once you have a good sitting trot, canter will be much easier.

Also as jeni said try a lunge lesson or ask to canter from walk, it is a much smoother transition.

Hope that helps.

[curlycal]

Hi Puppyjohn, thought I hadn't seen you on here for a while.
Like you I've been struggling with my canter ( I've fallen off twice)
I went on a private hack the other day and found it a bit easier because my horse went straight into canter after the RI's and we had some good long straights to practice on. Still holding the front of the saddle though, and saying to myself relax relax, easier said then done!.
good luck anyway I'm sure you'll get the hang of it soon

Cal x

[SADIE144]

hi how we used to teach the kids was to have a nice forward going trot, also we got them to hold on to the saddle with one hand , and holding the reins with other so you still have steering and brakes. keeping your heels down and sitting on your seat bones, lean back give the aids for canter, when cantering pulling yourself into the saddle get the feel for the gait and the bum in saddle will come, every now and then let go of saddle if you fell wobbly hold on again.as well as doing all this keep your elbows tucked into your side. but all said and done practice makes perfect.

[Trace The Ace]

Hi All

Firstly, I am new here so a big hi to everyone.

I am so glad this has been asked as I am about to enter the cantering stage. I have a good rising trot but my sitting trot is a bit of a giggle. I am good over the jump (trotting poles is what they are really called :D , but my mind says it is a Jump :eek: !!!). However, tomorrow MIGHT be the day that my RI says that canter it is. I don't think that I am too scared of coming off. There isn't many people around to laugh at me, but I am still very very nervous.

Good suggestions......lean back, heels down and hold on for dear life! Does that sound about right? :rolleyes:

Tracy

[curlycal]

Hi Tracy, and welcome.
Enjoy your canter !
Someone on here gve me the advice of pushing your tummy forwards as this helps you lean back slightly. and most important dont forget to breathe!
Let us know how you get on.

Cal x

[alpha1]

Really it's your knees... but I think there is some kind of conspiracy against talking about knees in a riding related context. Things like "heels down" are correct, but if you do it with locked knees, you bounce, if you let your knees take the movement you don't (at least not so much).

Let your knees flex (hips too) lean a bit back, but really just to counterbalance your need to get into a foetal position, and just go with the horse (and let your elbows follow his rythm as well).

I think that one of the best things to do is to keep switching between seated and 2 point positions, because this gives you a much better feel for the movement.

[julia gulia]

This is bringing back such memories. Even though I am very old and started riding at a young age I can still remember my first canter:) I had a grin plastered on my face from ear to ear.:D
Don't over think it!!!!!! Just go for it and savour every moment:p Just breathe and enjoy every delicious moment of it.
First you do it....then you make it pretty!!!!!!;)
Have fun!!!!

[xoxmissy]

1. Stomach muscles
2. your coach?? Surely she knows more then we would about how to fix you

[halfchaps]

I would talk to your coach. She should know when the time is right.

[piftisha]

First you do it....then you make it pretty!!!!!!;)
Have fun!!!!

Isn't that the truth!! I'm in the "make it pretty" stage and am finding muscles I didn't know I had. Learning to speed up the back end and slow the front end making a pretty, collected canter while at the same time staying strong in your upper body and correct in your leg position is something else! :rolleyes: