teaching some one to canter safely tips please

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pipper

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I am currently 'teaching' my freind to ride. She has mastered the trot beautifully, and can go rising without balancing with her hands and has just about mastered the steering whilst rising trotting. We are now ready to progress to cantering and she has had a few strides on both reins without bouncing about too much - holding onto the front of the saddle. How do i progress from here? Obvioulsy i dont want to put her in danger of falling off and i dont have the luxury of having someone available to run round with her. (The first couple of strides that she had was an odd time that someone was there to do the running) - I am reluctant to put her on the lunge as, although the horse is a lovely steady mare, she is a little more spirited on the lunge.
Do I just take the plunge and tell her to have a go whilst holding onto the saddle? I am worried that if she becomes unbalanced she wont be able to quickly stop the horse before she falls to the side (and off!!!)
 
I have no clue but my 6yo daughter in on the verge of being ready to canter (she's been wanting to for ages but wanted to make sure the balance in trot was there) but have no clue how to start :confused:
 
Get thee a neck strap! How is the horse with verbal ques? Does your rider grip with her legs? If the answers are good and no respectively then I'd just let them at it, with the idea of staying on a 20m circle. Keeping calm and just having a couple of strides before coming back down to trot should help her develop confidence and a feel for it. Then it would be easier to extend the amount of time cantering when you are all happy that a return to trot can be affected when ever needed!
 
Perhaps go from holding on with one hand to holding on with 3 fingers, then 2 etc. It might be smaller steps than just going straight to cantering without holding on at all.
 
Children on ponies.... I run with them

Adults I make sure they can stay on at a sitting trot without stirrups without holding on first. It doesn't have to be perfect, but it they can balance the bumping around, they stand more chance of staying on in canter!

I never lunge a beginner. The curve changes the balance of horse and rider.
 
I would lunge the mare without the rider on first to get the high spirits out, then I would put my friend on the lunge line.

I also agree about using the neck strap and if possible having the mare canter for only a few strides at first.
 
galaxy said:
Children on ponies.... I run with them

Adults I make sure they can stay on at a sitting trot without stirrups without holding on first. It doesn't have to be perfect, but it they can balance the bumping around, they stand more chance of staying on in canter!

I never lunge a beginner. The curve changes the balance of horse and rider.
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Thanks - that sounds a perfect solution - so more sitting trot for her then!!!! i will also put a neck strap on.
 
nikCscott said:
I have no clue but my 6yo daughter in on the verge of being ready to canter (she's been wanting to for ages but wanted to make sure the balance in trot was there) but have no clue how to start :confused:
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Little ones are best started on the lunge, provided pony is really safe and good to the voice, I usually get them going with no reins just holding the pommel then letting go one hand at a time while doing exercises, great fun at that age and gets the balance they require as legs are often too short to be wrapped round the pony enough.

For the OP I would get the balance better at trot, do some work without stirrups before trying canter properly.
 
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