Too much bend and falling in

[nicola151082]

Does anyone have any tips / excercises to help the following...

I’ve started riding my horse side saddle and it’s highlighted problems! On the right rein (obviously I’ve no right leg) he’s walking / trotting a bit like a crab as I’m trying to keep him out to the left using my rein and then on a circle he’s falling in.

Left rein not so bad but he’s bending a little too much to the inside and so almost falling out through his right shoulder.

I was hoping that you’d maybe have some ideas as to how I can improve this astride so then when I’m side saddle I’m not ‘lost / reliant’ on my right leg which I haven’t got!

Thanks

 

[Pinkvboots]

I think that's why you carry a stick it's supposed to be used like your leg would but it might just take a while for your horse to get used to most of your weight on one side, I am no expert but that would be take on it

If it were me I think I would try and get some lessons with someone who rides side saddle probably not that easy I know I am sure someone on here will be able to help more

 

[be positive]

The first thing I would do is to get a good physio to check he is ready and able to carry a sidesaddle, not all horses are comfortable in one and it can make them very sore, then you need to ensure he is straight when ridden astride so he is better prepared before you do much more than straight line work in it.

You must have him genuinely in front of the leg, carrying himself in self carriage, going straight and being able to flex comfortably both ways on either rein, lots of transitions to get the first point, work on counter flexions, ensure he is always going straight especially on circles that he is not swinging his quarters off a true line, that you always have his shoulders under control, plenty of work in counter flexion usually helps with all of that as will some correct basic lateral work, your main aim is him being in self carriage so he is taking you forward correctly then he will require less support from your legs to remain straight, then he will be better prepared for the lack of right leg.

 

[wkiwi]

The first thing I would do is to get a good physio to check he is ready and able to carry a sidesaddle, not all horses are comfortable in one and it can make them very sore, then you need to ensure he is straight when ridden astride so he is better prepared before you do much more than straight line work in it.

You must have him genuinely in front of the leg, carrying himself in self carriage, going straight and being able to flex comfortably both ways on either rein, lots of transitions to get the first point, work on counter flexions, ensure he is always going straight especially on circles that he is not swinging his quarters off a true line, that you always have his shoulders under control, plenty of work in counter flexion usually helps with all of that as will some correct basic lateral work, your main aim is him being in self carriage so he is taking you forward correctly then he will require less support from your legs to remain straight, then he will be better prepared for the lack of right leg.

This ^^^^^
Sounds like your horse is not working "inside leg to outside hand". Get your instructor to help you teach shoulder-in too. Shoulder-in is the 'medicine-pill' of dressage.