Falling forward

[cassiesmith22]

I keep falling forward while cantering and trotting without stirrups I know it is because I'm unbalanced but will improvement come naturally? Are there any exercises I could do at home to prepare or any other advice?

Thank you

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Core strengthening exercises and remembering to sit on seat bones..weight back and no gripping with knees....long and heavy legs.

 

[Ownedby4horses]

Can you have some lunge lessons, you can then concentrate on your position, often a single hand to pull yourself down into the saddle can help just while you get your balance (whilst on the lunge) and you can work on (as they would say in western) “sitting on your back pockets” and having your legs long and heavy as MC says above.

 

[Orangehorse]

Ride without stirrups for a short time every time you ride, if you feel safe enough. In an enclosed space, obviously and perhaps after having a good trot round first!

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

Somebody mentioned core strengthening exercises- yes it does take lots of practice but pilates style core work will give you an advantage and it's something you can do at home to help your progress between rides. There are lots of good videos on the internet. Given time if you keep at it the position will become second nature, and the muscles will be established in you to keep you in that position all the time.

 

[Wishfilly]

I keep falling forward while cantering and trotting without stirrups I know it is because I'm unbalanced but will improvement come naturally? Are there any exercises I could do at home to prepare or any other advice?

Thank you

In another recent thread, you mentioned that you had only had 5 lessons? This seems very early to be cantering without stirrups (or actually cantering at all). I would suggest initially reducing the work you are doing without stirrups, and working on sitting trot and canter with stirrups first. It is very normal to bounce in canter when first learning, and it's important you feel secure in the saddle. Do you have a neck strap or anything like that to hold on to?

 

[cassiesmith22]

In another recent thread, you mentioned that you had only had 5 lessons? This seems very early to be cantering without stirrups (or actually cantering at all). I would suggest initially reducing the work you are doing without stirrups, and working on sitting trot and canter with stirrups first. It is very normal to bounce in canter when first learning, and it's important you feel secure in the saddle. Do you have a neck strap or anything like that to hold on to?

Thank you, sadly I do not have a neck strap though I'm sure it would help! I'll try asking my instructor about it.

I have 3 1-hour privates per week/whenever I'm free so I had some time to progress since then I agree it might have been too early on to start cantering/no stirrup work (I only rode sitting trot without stirrups) as I was excited but also very nervous about cantering and not relaxed at all. It turned out fine in the end, I've had 3 lessons since this post and I benefitted from the no stirrup work - my balance and position have improved and I was able to gain the confidence to canter again! I did not fall forward this time and I think I'm actually getting it now - it felt floaty instead of just bouncing around.

 

[cassiesmith22]

Thank you everyone! I did some exercises and I'll continue doing them, and the advice about the correct position, especially "sitting on your back pockets" was also very helpful. Thank you again!

 

[Wishfilly]

Thank you, sadly I do not have a neck strap though I'm sure it would help! I'll try asking my instructor about it.

I have 3 1-hour privates per week/whenever I'm free so I had some time to progress since then I agree it might have been too early on to start cantering/no stirrup work (I only rode sitting trot without stirrups) as I was excited but also very nervous about cantering and not relaxed at all. It turned out fine in the end, I've had 3 lessons since this post and I benefitted from the no stirrup work - my balance and position have improved and I was able to gain the confidence to canter again! I did not fall forward this time and I think I'm actually getting it now - it felt floaty instead of just bouncing around.

That sounds really good. If you're able to have that many privates a week you will progress quickly which is great.

I personally think when learning to canter, a neck strap or a breastplate is super helpful, because you can hold onto it with one hand and sort of almost pull yourself into the saddle. Tipping forward is often a symptom of tensing up and gripping with the knees or lower leg, but if you can hold on it's much easier to relax yourself back into the saddle!