developing a better canter seat

[hamish1]

hi everyone
just wanted some tips on getting a better canter seat/position. Its only on some horses i feel that im tipping slightly forward-its usually the big 17hh+ where this happens. Do you think the fact that im just under 5ft3 has anything to do with it on the big ones, or does height not come in to it. like i say on the smaller 16h i feel my seat is alot better. any tips appriciated

 

[Steorra]

It can be harder to sit a bigger, rounder stride than a shorter and flatter one. If the big horse 'rides big' then that could be part of the issue.

Also, I know that a poor workman blames his tools and all that, but it is really, really worth checking the position of the stirrup bars on your saddle. Particularly if the problem is restricted to one horse. If they are too far forward then you end up sitting as though you're on a chair, if they're too far back then your heels may come up and you will tip forwards.

Other than that, the main thing is to go with the movement. Don't try to 'follow', just imagine that you are made up of hinges and allow the horse to move all of them. Not floppy and heavy like a sack of spuds, but flexible and 'soft'.

Make sure you are sitting on your seatbones not your...ahem...fork, this will automatically bring your shoulders back and make you feel less perched. Opening your hips an wrapping your legs around the horse will help.

Lunge lessons and work without stirrups are invaluable.

 

[Kao]

I always find myself tipping forwards on bigger horses too. When I school alone, I find it's because there's so much in front. My reins either get longer or I tip forwards.
I'm learning to work on keeping my seat and keeping said horses on the bit. It usually comes with a lot of lessons, maybe get a friend to film you? Then you can pin point when/why you do it

 

[ossy]

I find I end up tipping forward on horses with large movement at the front and not taking weight on the hind legs. But when my horse is up at the front working from behind it is much easier to sit up straight in the canter.

Good idea about filming you can she what is actually happening, I try to keep self disaplined and try not to let myself be pulled forward.

 

[soulfull]

I find I end up tipping forward on horses with large movement at the front and not taking weight on the hind legs. But when my horse is up at the front working from behind it is much easier to sit up straight in the canter.

Good idea about filming you can she what is actually happening, I try to keep self disaplined and try not to let myself be pulled forward.

sometimes its half me and half the horse not going forward enough or indeed somehow pulling me forward

 

[Steorra]

^ I think this is very true: it is much easier to sit correctly once the horse is working up-hill, but equally the horse is unlikely to lighten its forehand if you are tipping forward.