First canter...Erm....Oh dear

[shirl62]

Had my lesson today....I did not ride another horse as they thought I was a bit heavy for the other one.. ( I'm approx. 8st 9lbs ) so went on horse I had last week. needless to say I chickened out of trying to canter again Even wore my BP....What a woos I am and feel like a failure.

Shirl

 

[SpringArising]

Had my lesson today....I did not ride another horse as they thought I was a bit heavy for the other one.. ( I'm approx. 8st 9lbs ) so went on horse I had last week. needless to say I chickened out of trying to canter again Even wore my BP....What a woos I am and feel like a failure.

Shirl

Not at all!

You'll get it eventually. It's still such early days. Don't pressure yourself.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

If you panic just remember that if the horse has been trained to voice commands at all it will respond to something like woah, steady, trotting or woo-ooo always said calmly and in a downwards tone of voice. I keep having to remind my OH that "keep still you ****** " isn't in my horses vocabulary and he'd have much more success with "stand" :biggrin3:

 

[Roxylola]

Practise your sitting trot, staying nice and tall and lifting up through your core. Biggest problem with cantering is the bouncy bit before it. If you are sitting up and on your bottom, lifting through your solar plexus with your weight down in to your feet you can get your leg on and ask for the canter without getting unbalanced and panicking. Easier said than done I know but so many people myself included at times tend to tip forward a bit or curl up a little in the sitting trot before hand then are unbalanced through the transition and therefore unbalanced in the canter. If you feel you can sit on the trot for as long as you want in a nice balanced position when the time comes to canter you can just get your leg on ask and go. That way if the horse pulls a bit you are nice and independent in your seat and can stay tall even if you need to let the hand go forward a bit at first.
It will come - just keep breathing

 

[Junebug44]

Hooray, you did it!

 

[teacups]

Oh no, and there we all were, looking forward to the video! <cackles>

Actually you have nothing to prove - you've already cantered, remember? Bet next time might be a bit ungainly as you'll be a worried about it, but each time you try will give more experience...just hold on to the pommel with one hand if you need to anchor yourself a bit. Anyway, how was the rest of the lesson?

 

[shirl62]

The lesson was great...Practiced a lot of rising trot and sitting trot...Even getting the right diagonals.. My instructor said I have a nice trot . I previously did the canter from a rising trot but it was so bouncy that I was unbalanced..I felt that the sitting trot would be a better transition for me to get into canter. I know it takes time to get it right and the only way to do that is 'doing it' My instructor said that singing humpty dumpty helps with the rhythm...my problem with that is the words ''had a great fall' lol

Shirl

 

[Caracarrie]

The way I have taught every pupil to canter is to have them hold the pommel with their inside hand (fingers through the rein) and keep the outside hand and rein towards the fence. It makes it easier to kick a bit as the seat is held down and stops the horse from running in, plus gives some braking power. I usually assist with lots of voice and a lungewhip trailing behind and get both me and the pupil counting one, two three, one two three and so on. Lots of short canters, preferably in a straight line are better than keeping going and falling off on a corner! Don't forget to point your kneecaps towards the floor and your belly button out between the horse's ears. All the children loved to play sit on the glove to help them bounce less too.

 

[Meredith]

Well done, you have cantered once so you can do it again. Remember we all "cantered for the first time" and pretty much everyone on HHO cantered for the second time! Don't over think it and I know you will be fine.

I can remember my first canter.

Eleven year old me on 12.2hh, told to trot alone to far end of field leaving all the rest of the riders with the instructor, field nearly knee deep clay and ruts, instructor then tells me to " turn round and kick", I do as instructed, pony bogs off back to his friends at a rate of knots with me hanging on to his fortunately long mane. I think the only thing that stopped me falling off was the thought of landing in the mud!

Not 'elf and safety enough for today of course.

 

[shirl62]

All great advice ..Well I was up in Scotland for the week end and my sis and I went to Ian Stark Equestrian Centre. We went out for a hack with the instructor. I felt fine and we walked, trotted and .....wait for it ..I did 2 canters!..I felt ok really and even had time to think what I was doing , well mainly the sitting up , heels down, hands kept down and trying to relax. I can honestly say it wasn't a wow feeling but at least I wasn't terrified. I know I have a long way to go but at least I felt ok about it...until the next time!....lol

Shirl

 

[Amye]

Sounds great Shirl!

Sometimes i think cantering out (so long as you're on a reliable horse) is better and gets your feeling more confident as you just do it! I got my OH to canter for his first time out - he was on my horse and I knew J would just follow the horse in front (borrowed from a friend), so I popped her into canter and told my OH to hold and off we went!

I think it's great for building confidence too as when you go hacking, you're likely to have been sat on the horse a while and relaxing so there's no pressure


Well done!

 

[shirl62]

Had my regular lesson today...Everything was going fine ..just doing rising trot down centre of arena and was just turning left when horse spooked and off I came...I think I landed mainly on the right side of my back ( I was wearing a BP )..I am quite sore when I breathe and head thumping. I did get back on horse for about 5 mins but felt as if I was not in my own body therefore ended the lesson. Luckily my sister was there and she drove my car home. I can only think that it was the wind that spooked him as it was quite windy..Not the best day today...

Shirl

 

[Junebug44]

Had my regular lesson today...Everything was going fine ..just doing rising trot down centre of arena and was just turning left when horse spooked and off I came...I think I landed mainly on the right side of my back ( I was wearing a BP )..I am quite sore when I breathe and head thumping. I did get back on horse for about 5 mins but felt as if I was not in my own body therefore ended the lesson. Luckily my sister was there and she drove my car home. I can only think that it was the wind that spooked him as it was quite windy..Not the best day today...

Shirl

AHH, never mind - well done you for getting back on - and for getting off when you realised all was not quite right! I fell off yesterday after a spooky day and felt ok immediately after but today am a bit achy and tender so just going to make myself go to the pool and sit in the swirly tub! Did go for a gentle hack today which at least restored some confidence! Take care and keep at it!

 

[Junebug44]

AHH, never mind - well done you for getting back on - and for getting off when you realised all was not quite right! I fell off yesterday after a spooky day and felt ok immediately after but today am a bit achy and tender so just going to make myself go to the pool and sit in the swirly tub! Did go for a gentle hack today which at least restored some confidence! Take care and keep at it!

Of course should also say - take care as head thumping. A fall can normally jar you up a quite a bit but if it gets worse or you continue to feel odd or confused am sure you will go to doc's or walk-in just to be on safe side. Anyway, it's all part of what we do!! Hopefully your next day will be better.

 

[shirl62]

just a short video ... Went to doctor as still headache today ...Have concussion plus bruised ribs/arm and head....

https://youtu.be/n4uZD0pFW-s

 

[Meredith]

I am so am sorry that you were hurt. Please obey all the instructions about concussion.I know I was concussed for a month! When you have recovered take your time. I am sure you will be cantering again soon.

 

[shirl62]

Thanks Meredith...I will take it easy . Just when you are starting to progress again ..another setback, but I will just dust myself off and put it behind me .

The other video clip cut off early



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_rwuZdWRRI

 

[Sussexbythesea]

That spook was really naughty! Sorry but it did make me giggle though - horses really are are-ses!

 

[teacups]

Oh no! Great news about cantering, and then that spook! I'm not surprised that one took you unawares.
Was that your first fall, too?
Hope all the bits which hurt are feeling better soon.

 

[shirl62]

Yep ...first fall and with a knock out too ! All I remember is butt launching out of saddle . I must have landed like a sack of tatties...My sis had to put me in the recovery position...Geez they say things happen in 3's...whats next....So glad I wore my BP...

The things I have to do for entertaining you guys!....lol


Shirl

 

[shirl62]

Just travelled to Ireland to visit OH parents. I have been in agony with my right chest. Hubby is certain I have fractured at least 1 rib, so I guess my riding adventures are on hold for a few weeks . At least my headaches have stopped. Happy days...not.

Shirl

 

[maggie62]

For goodness sake sis......you are a catastrophe. Just take it easy. I had my lesson today and was all over the place, new horse called Tam who was one of the wild ponies that was brought down from the North of Scotland a few years back. I think I was more nervous especially when I witnessed you falling off your horse.

Margaret

 

[shirl62]

For goodness sake sis......you are a catastrophe. Just take it easy. I had my lesson today and was all over the place, new horse called Tam who was one of the wild ponies that was brought down from the North of Scotland a few years back. I think I was more nervous especially when I witnessed you falling off your horse.

Margaret

I tried the diydrocodeine tabs..Bad idea...made me dizzy and queezy when upright..A bit better today although still very sore..Just keep doing your trotting..as we want to remain in one piece for our holiday !

Shirl

 

[turnbuckle]

Very incorrect, but why not just get up on your knees (if that makes sense) so you can enjoy the movement rather than bumping around?

 

[shirl62]

Very incorrect, but why not just get up on your knees (if that makes sense) so you can enjoy the movement rather than bumping around?

A bit like 'jockey' style, but not as exaggerated?

 

[rhylis]

Can I just say that prior to the falling off on that last video (understandable due to the suddenness of that spook!) I thought your riding looked good. You look to be a nice quiet rider and you definitely shouldn't let an unfortunate fall put you off as you look to be doing extremely well.
The first canter didn't look anywhere near as bad as it felt to you. I can remember my first canter being hugely disappointing as I just felt like I was going to hit the deck I was so unbalanced! Not to mention my first attempt at a jump where the pony basically stepped over it, ground to a halt and put his head down. At which point I slid slowly down his neck to land in a heap by his nose. So don't worry it will all come together in the end and you are already well on the way to that happening.
Hope you feel better soon too.

 

[shirl62]

Can I just say that prior to the falling off on that last video (understandable due to the suddenness of that spook!) I thought your riding looked good. You look to be a nice quiet rider and you definitely shouldn't let an unfortunate fall put you off as you look to be doing extremely well.
The first canter didn't look anywhere near as bad as it felt to you. I can remember my first canter being hugely disappointing as I just felt like I was going to hit the deck I was so unbalanced! Not to mention my first attempt at a jump where the pony basically stepped over it, ground to a halt and put his head down. At which point I slid slowly down his neck to land in a heap by his nose. So don't worry it will all come together in the end and you are already well on the way to that happening.
Hope you feel better soon too.

Thank you so much for your very encouraging comments . It has lifted my spirits up no end and once I get over my injuries I shall continue on my journey of learning and try very hard to put the fall behind me , which I know can be hard when the little 'worry worm' keeps reminding you. I tried not to laugh when you 'slid slowly down his neck' my sis done that and I can just picture that in my head.

Thanks again for cheering me up and boosting my confidence..It really means a lot .

Shirl

 

[poiuytrewq]

Hope your feeling better quickly x

 

[shirl62]

Hope your feeling better quickly x

Thanks.....can't wait to get back in the saddle

 

[highlandponygirl]

In both videos you look like you are doing really well. Don't let falling off knock your confidence, it happens to every rider at some point or the other, including myself several times (once when we weren't even moving! ). It is maybe an idea to have some lessons on a lunge doing some trotting with no stirrups, this is a great way to build up your core strength to keep you up and your bum glued to the saddle. After a few years away from riding my first few canters were bouncy and all over the place (I could have cried and given up lol) but a few lunge lessons sorted that and gave me confidence that I wasn't about to fall out the side door. Keep going, your doing fine. Hopefully you'll feel better and be back on board soon.

Also, just to add, I have recently invested in a yoga ball. What an amazing tool to help improve your riding; I can't recommend them enough. They are a great way to practice your techniques if you are unable to ride everyday and practice the more technical aspects of riding when you come to it. I have had and used my yoga ball daily for the last 4 weeks and the difference has been great; before, although I'm relatively fit, my core strength was really poor and struggled to engage my core when needed (and without resulting in tension). That has all changed in a few weeks and my riding, posture, balance etc are all better for it. I only paid £7.99 for my yoga ball from Amazon too, so a very cheap investment for the results. There are some very good videos on Youtube for riding techniques and other excersises if you choose to purchase one.x