Canter help

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CowgirlACH

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When I canter my horse I stiffen my back so that I come down hard on her back like a jack hammer. I know I need to relax my back and follow her movement, but I can't seem to not stiffen up. Anybody have any suggestions? Also, I tend to turn my toes out and grip slightly with my lower leg. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
I think you answered your own question there really, theres not much more anyone can advise but relax! I know its hard but its the only way. See if you can get your mits (you tube, web site, dvd etc) on a parelli demo, i'm not a dreamer that thinks it is the only way, i know they're all about show but they really are brilliant riders and if you watch carefully and listern to what they are saying they really do make sence. And can be pretty inspiring! Other than that sit up,sit deep and don't worry about what your horse looks like for the time being. Could you have some lessons? If your not careful and are making it as uncomfortable for your horse as you say, you will make her unwilling to canter herself, so best to sort it asap!
 
i'd definitely stay up in a 2-point seat (with your bum floating out of the saddle, leaning slightly forward, like jumping position but not quite as forward as that) for a little while, until you get more comfortable and can keep your legs a bit relaxed. you might need to convince her that that doesn't mean you want her to go much faster, though!
turning your toes out stops you gripping with your knees, so i wouldn't worry about it at the moment (gripping with your knees is far worse than gripping with your lower leg), just concentrate on your breathing, on the stride, sing a little song to yourself... anything that stops you from trying too hard, which usually makes people stiffen up even more...
from the half-seat, try sitting for a few strides, then lift your bum out of the saddle again, etc.
also, if you do this, your mare can relax her back, which will make her easier for you to sit. if she's locking her back against you, because she's anticipating your stiffness etc, it will make it impossible for you to sit into her back. chicken and egg kind of thing. get her comfy and her back relaxed, and your job will be much easier.
good luck!
 
If you stiffen during the trot transitions to canter then take rising trot (or cheat and ride walk to canter!).
If you stiffen in the canter depart, take a light seat (a little more weight in your stirrups) and breathe out as you ask for canter, then sing (Nellie the Elephant is good) as you canter round.
If your horse is bouncy, see if you can borrow one with a rocking horse canter to practice on.
If you stiffen in your shoulders (this is my favourite!) then making little circles with your reins from side to side can help.
This is a really common problem, though, so you're not alone if that helps.
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Probably best tip is to totally forget what both you AND horse look like! All the time you're worrying about the 'picture', the more you'll tense. You need to just trust that ‘less is more’, all will be fine if you just ‘sit there’ rather than trying too hard – the hardest thing to do is NOTHING if you can feel yourself bumping around, but have faith that the feeling of insecurity in the seat will pass & don’t WORRY if you think you look like a lemon! It never looks as bad as it feels!

Work without stirrups may help but only if you are on a horse you trust & ideally on the lunge – what you don’t want to be doing it gripping up more trying to stay on! Make sure you use a neck strap or balancing strap initially whilst you’re getting the feeling of it – better than having to try too hard to stay on!

Whilst on the lunge, whilst cantering, you can do exercises to relax yourself such as rotating hips/legs away from saddle, rotating shoulders, stretching up in the air, twisting body round to the inside (eg moving round to look at tail) – a good instructor should be able to assist with suitable exercises.
 
I really like your suggestions, Shilasdair and Sal_E. I can't wait to try them out at my next lesson. Since the horse I ride is super quiet(she constantly comes to a sliding stop without me asking) I think working without stirrups would work really well. Last week I trotted bareback and that really helped the stiffness.
 
If your horse is safe and kind, try to put your reins into one hand, and hold the front of the saddle with your other hand, pulling your seat down deeper into it, and concentrating on following the movement...then see if you can take the rein back and keep your seat deep.
Perhaps going out on a lengthy hack with lots of canter would help - eventually your body will tire of tension and will relax in the canter.
Enjoy your riding
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