New rider and problem!ADVICE NEEDED!

[Voula]

Hi everyone!

I am a new rider and new to this forum I am a 29 years old woman and a first time rider. The horse I am riding is a very calm Hungarian gelding. While I am doing pretty well as a newbie I cannot control my body while cantering and I end bumping on the saddle,I just feel like a jelly! I try to stand slightly up from the saddle but I feel so heavy that I just can't do it! I am sure I stand in the wrong way so any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Voula

 

[soapy]

How long have you been learning? Maybe it's too soon to be cantering? It takes a while to perfect balance and build-up the unusual muscles required for efficient riding. Good luck though.

 

[Snuffles]

You need to sit to canter not stand ! I was taught to Lean back slightly and move your seat into the saddle as if you were having sex ! (sorry !)

 

[Shay]

Sounds like you need more core strength. Snuffles is right about the motion - but it takes strength to do it. Partly that will come in time but you can help by doing things like pilates. You can stand to canter actually - rising canter is common in polo to take the weight from the horse's back and of course you can canter in two point (sometimes called forward seat). But I suspect you are not there in your learning just yet!