Cantering

[ChesterLova]

I go to a riding school and I've only just started cantering. My horse keeps going really fast and I loose my stirrups and nearly bounce out of the saddle. How do I get him to still be in a canter but in a steady beat. Also is there any human workouts for my body that I can use to help balance myself in the canter

 

[MrsMozart]

Check the length of your stirrups as too long and you'll be reaching for them / your feet will easily slip out.

Try not to grip with your legs, but rather let you hips move with the movement of the horse.

If you're able to get a private lunge lesson, that should help your instructor to control the speed of the horse and explain directly to you how to sit.

As for the human workouts - look for exercises that improve your core strength. Another one (do in the privacy of your room!) entails you standing as though you're sitting on a chair. Works wonders I'm sure I've seen a book on rider exercises. Will try and remember it. There's also a pilates book by Lynsey Wilcox-Reid that's specifically for riders.

 

[Cortez]

It sounds as if you may be cantering before you are really ready for it. Good suggestion above from Mrs M about having lunge lessons.

 

[ElleSkywalker]

Pilates really helps core stability