Correct canter feeling?

[snozzcumber03]

Hello-
I am just wondering if anyone can describe how it feels to the rider when they are in the correct position while cantering. I can't seem to discern between the feeling of cantering correctly and incorrectly.

[Tootsie4U]

The best help I can suggest is to take a look at Heather's section on this website (A Kinder Way). She very plainly and specifically explains what your hips/seat should be doing. She describes it so that even while sitting in your chair and doing the motions, you can get a feel for it. She's quite good.

[virtuallyhorses]

It actually feels like nothing much - just sitting, with a sort of loose belly. Now I know that's not telling you all the mechanics that are going on but it may help because I've always been so focused on all the descriptions of what your back and hips etc should be 'doing' that I always over-rode the canter - I did too much, whereas you can just sit there (not like the trot where they tell you to relax but you do have to do stuff)

When you canter incorrectly - you will tend to bounce, even if its only slightly and you will feel like you are having either to 'hang on' with your legs (upper thighs often) or 'row' with your back to go with the motion or perhaps even use your stirrups for balance.

[kedwards]

To me, a good canter seat feels like I am just rocking slightly on my seat bones. Like VH said, when I first started getting it right, I knew it because it felt like I was doing so much LESS.

[Horse100]

Originally posted by kedwards
To me, a good canter seat feels like I am just rocking slightly on my seat bones. Like VH said, when I first started getting it right, I knew it because it felt like I was doing so much LESS.

I agree with kedward although to me it occasionally feels like i'm sort of floating as well!



Horse100

[Wally]

A cork floating lightly on a wave

You need to aim for stillness, lightness and poise, loose belly bedammned! the muscles needed to hold you in a poised correct position at canter must be strong yet not tense.

PLEASE, somebody tell me that "Your Horse Mag." is NOT printing articles advocating "poloshing" the saddle with a gliding motion. I don't get it, but I heard that an article they printed was recommending "polishing" Tell me it isn't true.

[Hels]

Wally - I am afraid it is. I was horrified too. I think it was one of Tina Sederholm's articles.

[Casey76]

I saw that too! I was a bit surprised, considering all I've learned here (and from Heather's book), that "polishing" the saddle will make the horse hollow.

[Wally]

I give up!

[Alex]

Wally, I've read that too, but not in the mag you mentioned. We have a magazine called "Horsewyse" here in Aus, and it's aimed at teenagers (I think... but I still read it *cough cough*) and it suggested the same thing. *shudder*

It took me a while to get my canter seat, but as kedwards said, I knew I had it when I was doing LESS. It felt so much smoother and more comfy for me and for the horse.