umcomfortable
New User
I've recently changed riding school after many years. My confidence has dropped massively and it's begun to affect my seat.
I'm not confident on the new horses I am being put on, and it makes me tense and nervous when cantering. I end up gripping with the knees, with my shoulders and arms tense, which causes me to lean forward and I eventually end up in a light seat so I'm not bouncing around on the horse's back. I feel "locked up" all over. My instructor has been confusing me, asking me to relax, and when I force my body to relax I am told I'm too relaxed and a backseat rider. I just can't find the middle ground.
I've been riding for over a decade, and have done some wonderful things on the horses at the previous yard and never had any problems there. I feel embarrassed by my shocking lack of ability at this new yard.
What are some exercises or tips that can help me achieve that perfect seat?
I'm not confident on the new horses I am being put on, and it makes me tense and nervous when cantering. I end up gripping with the knees, with my shoulders and arms tense, which causes me to lean forward and I eventually end up in a light seat so I'm not bouncing around on the horse's back. I feel "locked up" all over. My instructor has been confusing me, asking me to relax, and when I force my body to relax I am told I'm too relaxed and a backseat rider. I just can't find the middle ground.
I've been riding for over a decade, and have done some wonderful things on the horses at the previous yard and never had any problems there. I feel embarrassed by my shocking lack of ability at this new yard.
What are some exercises or tips that can help me achieve that perfect seat?