Cantering

[lizzylulu]

Some of you may know that I am new to the horse world and only started lessons about 5 weeks ago. I did canter for the first time yesterday, however I found it very very difficult! My RI said I am standing in my stirrups too much, and consequently bouncing too much in the saddle. He said I need to sit in my saddle more.

Can anyone give a newbie some tips on how to do the 'perfect' canter?

Thank you in advance for your help!!!!

 

[Blizzard]

I recently taught my very novice nervous OH to ride, he now loves cantering and galloping all over the place, I taught him to canter by saying the following:

'stop bloody whinging, I dont care if your bits hurt, just watch where you are going and stay on!'

Not very helpful LOL!

Seriously though, I just told him to sit deep into the saddle and try and go with the movement, this is a vid of his first ever canter if you are interested, and it worked for him:

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=27e...medium=text_url

However Beau is such a good boy that all OH had to do was be a passenger, so he didnt have to worry about steering or speed, which helped!

Are you learning on the lunge?

 

[lizzylulu]

I have been watching the progress of your OH and have enjoyed it. He looks like a pro now

No I am not on lunge. My RI has said I have the ability to ride fine I just need to get more confidence! I just think its such a big step from trot to canter and a big change in movement.

 

[Blizzard]

Yes it certainly is a big change in movement, are you learning on a well balanced steady horse? That will make ALL the difference!

 

[lizzylulu]

i have ridden a few but am doing canter on a highland she is just under 14hh. She was schooled by my RI so he knows how she works. She is responsive but safe, this is the 2nd time I have ridden her. Once I had tried canter a few times he told me to hold my reins in one hand and hold the saddle with my other and pull myself into the saddle to 'teach' myself to sit into my saddle. Which worked well.

 

[isabella]

everyone seems to say sit up tall but tbo that makes you tense and bounce more i am not saying sit like a sack of spuds but relax!!!!! and keep breathing sont think about it too much just try to move with the horse dont fight against it

hope all goes well

 

[Blizzard]

Thats how I learned when I was a kid, I learned out on hacks though, as they didnt have a school.

I was told I could hold the front of the saddle for balance, put not to pull yourself into the saddle with it otherwise it wont help you once you take that hand off.

Really what you need to achieve is an independant seat, which will only come with time and practice.

Have you had a lok on the New Rider website, they have loads of tips Im sure, plus pics etc, I know some people find them very useful.

 

[samerlin]

i usualy tell people to lean backwards. it will feel like you are leaning to far back but with the motion of the horse you will end up in the correct position....

 

[lizzylulu]

I did try leaning back last night and that was when it started to feel a bit better. Thanks for that, I now know I was doing the right thing

 

[PaintboxEDT]

put your wieght into your seat and use your hips to go with the stride keep your heals down and relax,try and imagine the line thing from shoulder to hip to heal !!

 

[lizzylulu]

has anyone got any vids of them cantering that i can maybe have a look at?

Thanks xxx

 

[pixiebee]

this is roughly the postion you want in canter (in my sig below) but your hands should be nearer your tummy with your elbows bent (difficult on a strong pony lol)
good luck-dont despair, be patient and you will reap the rewards!

 

[bellaboo]

i have always told people new to cantering to ride the canter like a wave, let the hips move in an forwards circular motion if that makes sense! You just need to do lots of cantering and you will find every time you canter it will be easier to sit to the movement, you will be more relaxed which is what you are heading for as you know what to expect.