Tension in Canter - Part II

[Ferdinase514]

Thanks to everyone who gave me some tips for sorting Finni's canter out

So, last night I warmed him up in forward seat and got him going very forward - which he thought was great fun! When came back to "normal" position he was forward and I didn't try and fiddle with him, just kept contact light. Much better

As I suspected the problems are actually mine and not his

I am now looking up, sitting up and using my legs a bit more, but I've realised that I think I've been squashing his canter - I can't sit to it

So, this time can I pick your brains on exercises to get me supple in canter and to help me sit to it!

(I'm guessing you are going to say riding on the lunge, but heigh-ho)
Thanks

 

[Sal_E]

Ha ha - this is exactly what I went through! I thinkj we hold the canter back into something which feels comfortable to sit into, but it ruins the quality, hence the problems. Once you realise this & send the canter forwards, it looks MUCH better from the ground but feels like 'wall of death' on top!!!

I think it's just a case of getting used to it I'm afraid - I guess it won't take long though. Don't worry if you're bouncing a bit, it'll pass; just don't chicken out & hold the canter back again - be strict about YOU learning his canter, not HIM cantering within YOUR comfort zone. As I said, I've just been through exactly this process!

What you'll also find, is that as you're getting used to the bigger canter, so will he be; as he does it more, he'll become more balanced within it which WILL make it more comfortable for you.

Keep at it!

 

[not_with_it]

Agree with Sal_E. It will get easier. Me and my mare went through the same things as you a couple of months ago, her canter was 4 beat and needed to be more forward. In my lessons my instructor got me to really push her forwards. I felt like it was out of control but apparently it looked fantastic

Its all about building up your core muscles. Im guessing that he isnt on your seat and thats why it feels strange but that will come once you both get used to it. My advice is sit on the back of your bum, keep your shoulders back and keep your legs wrapped. Maybe invest in a balancing strap to hold you down whilst you get the feel of it. It does get easier I promise, my mare did a fantastic canter this morning that was so light and bouncy. I finally felt as though I could keep her on my seat and be in control.

Keep going, the reward will be fantastic.

 

[Ferdinase514]

Thanks for two really nice replies. Made me feel very enthusiastic...all i need now is for it to stop raining

 

[not_with_it]

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Thanks for two really nice replies. Made me feel very enthusiastic...all i need now is for it to stop raining

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It does help if the weather is nice.