Feet forward - work riding

[toppedoff]

For the life of me I struggling so much putting my feet forward when cantering racehorses. Considering it is the rounds and I'm still learning but the moment we put our stirrups up or I'm cantering I can't put my leg forward which is making it hard for me to hold again anything pulling since I have to rely on my upperbody instead of my whole body. I'm not really sure what I do so wrong. The moment we are on the simulator I can put my foot forward but when I'm cantering I can't.

I don't really know what I'm doing so so wrong. It is incredibly frustrating and annoying

 

[JenJ]

What have your instructors said about it?

(and just take a moment to think and pat yourself on the back... you're doing the rounds!!!)

 

[toppedoff]

What have your instructors said about it?

(and just take a moment to think and pat yourself on the back... you're doing the rounds!!!)

Just feet forward. Never told how or what to do but I physically have to throw my legs in the air to put em forward but even then it isn't forward it's just me putting my legs ahead of myself and I feel I am doing it right then look at the videos and it doesn't look like anything

 

[JenJ]

Just feet forward. Never told how or what to do but I physically have to throw my legs in the air to put em forward but even then it isn't forward it's just me putting my legs ahead of myself and I feel I am doing it right then look at the videos and it doesn't look like anything

Well you're way more advanced than I am when it comes to doing the rounds, so I can't offer any technical advice, but I would suggest that as you can do it on the simulator, you are certainly capable of it, you just need a bit of practice getting used to the whole environment of doing the rounds; when you also have to focus on what is going on around you as well as riding your horse as well as getting your position right. If it's still not improving in a week or two, have another chat with your instructors, or maybe with one of your fellow students who seems to be getting it?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

It's probably because as you canter for long periods your strength kind of runs out so your posture goes to pot, I think your being hard on yourself it's about building strength and stamina to maintain your position.

Maybe ask for more long canter sessions on the mechanical horse to build yourself up a bit more.

When I used to show horses I had a bit of a chant I said to myself to keep me check of my position, it was head up shoulders back heels down relax and smile and I would repeat it to myself as I went in the ring.

So maybe think of a chant that applies to you and do that it really helps me I do it now when I get a bit nervous.

 

[McGrools]

Maybe think more about pushing your weight down and forward into your stirrups, you need to feel your feet are taking all of your body weight and your hips are well behind your feet. Your lower leg is your anchor and brace and should stop you from ejecting forward over the horses shoulder. Almost like pushing the brakes on a car

 

[Irish Sally]

I almost think lean back slightly instead of feet forward for holding racehorses. If you just bring your body back slightly your legs will naturally go forward to balance yourself. You need to stay in this position until you feel the horse give. Then you just go back to your natural position. Just keep playing around with it until you find a way that suits you. If you shorten your stirrups as well but make sure you're not riding too short. Don't want to fall off.

 

[spacefaer]

Maybe try thinking of it as pushing your heels down. You can't have your legs back if your heels are down.

 

[toppedoff]

Maybe try thinking of it as pushing your heels down. You can't have your legs back if your heels are down.

My legs are where they would be for anything else aka on the girth and my heels are done but I can never get it like on this photo which is why it is baffling me so much as of why I can never do it

 

[McGrools]

My legs are where they would be for anything else aka on the girth and my heels are done but I can never get it like on this photo which is why it is baffling me so much as of why I can never do it

I’m sure it will come with more practice. Especially when you get to ride a strong one and you really need to use your body weight to hold it xx

 

[spacefaer]

I’m sure it will come with more practice. Especially when you get to ride a strong one and you really need to use your body weight to hold it xx

I'd agree with that. It's harder to do when the horse is polite!"