canter transitions, help needed for numpty

[gemmahodgkinson]

I CANNOT DO THEM!! does anyone have any tips at how i can sit on my a**e! When i ask for canter, i stiffen because im already dreading the transition part, i then try to sit to ask but because im stiff i can't seit properly, then i kick and tip forwards while doing so and all in all it looks and feels horrific. strangely when im jumping the transitions are fine because im so worried about the jumping i forget about getting tense for the transitions. when im in canter im totaly fine, i sit on my bum fine and my legs are where they are supposed to be more or less. any ideas???? im having regular lessons and i do it perfectly well without stirrups, but as soon as I get my stirrups back im back to being a numpty. poor pony must be cursing me!!
thanks

 

[dianchi]

Have u tried having lunge lessons so u can forget about steering and concentrate on sitting still.

What are u like out hacking?

 

[horsegirl]

Try asking over a pole as though it is a jump or even a tiny jump to start with and then reduce size and remove. Might help.

 

[Kenzo]

Have you tried riding in a lighter seat and asking for a canter that way, you said you dont get in a stew over it when jumping, so ride round your menage in a more slightly forwards jumping postition (or how you'd canter around when jumping if you take a lighter seat) and practice up and down transitions that way, you might find easier, not think about too much, weight is in your leg an heal and you may find it more confortable, not only that but your horse may be used to you riding/asking in that way...to eventually ease into a deaper seat and acheive what you are aiming for...just suggestion.

Or ride round a course of jumps but not actually jump and practice changing the rein and cantering around the fences, you may not have to work as hard or confuse your horse as much but each time you can perfect your skill.

 

[catdragon]

Get a balance strap. A pelham rounding or spur strap fixed between the front D rings on your saddle. That way you can hold it to keep your seat in the saddle and offer some stability whilst you get the canter. Helps give you the confidence without pulling pony in the mouth. I used my breast plate in the same manner as I kept forgetting the balance strap and slipping my thumb under the breast plate by the d ring had the same effect. Remember to breathe, and look where you're going not down..good luck, perservere and it'll soon be great.

 

[K27]

My advice would be to keep it simple and you will get there!- just think about perfecting your position and your upper body going floppy like a rag doll and moving with your horse, and practice that before you think about cantering.

Also in the canter transition it may help if you think about just keeping your shoulders back and your upper body relaxed.

Good luck!