Terrible Leg position in canter- Advice Please

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Leaveittothediva

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Hi, My leg position in canter is terrible, both my legs ride up all the time no matter how hard i try to keep them down. Anyone know how I can correct this. The horse I ride can get very cheeky in canter and mess about some times but even when he is going fine I have this problem. Thanks in advance for any advice.:)
 
Ride without stirrups. If your legs go back you'll fall off! Seriously though, a lunge lesson where you sit for a few strides of canter without stirrups would help.
 
Try standing to the canter, tipping forward from the hips slightly to keep your balance, hold on to a neck strap or the mane if you need to, but concentrating on pushing your weight into your heels, then after a few canters like that gradually lower yourself into the saddle, trying to keep your legs in the same position as when you were standing, concentrating on keeping the weight in your heels?
 
Going on my lessons as i do something simular and it is because i grip to much and also end up blocking the canter and making her tight. You have to loosen your grip relax and open your hips and your postion will improve.
 
hobo said:
Going on my lessons as i do something simular and it is because i grip to much and also end up blocking the canter and making her tight. You have to loosen your grip relax and open your hips and your postion will improve.
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Most likely this is your problem. Concentrating on pushing the heels down &/or gripping creates tension & ends up pushing you out of the saddle &, as it's uncomfortable for the horse can encourage them to mess around. Think of relaxing, opening the hips & softly wrapping your legs around the horse - it takes practice but it does work.
 
Totally agree with the others that say ride with no stirrups. I had this problem of legs rising up and my RI cured it by giving me a couple of lunge lessons. With no stirrups you have to reach down to maintain your position and balance. Worked wonders for me :D
 
Definitely no stirrups is the answer!! I was made to canter (and trot and jump) stirrup-less as a child for hours and am now very lucky to have a pretty good canter seat.
 
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