Unbalanced in canter, help!?

[amanda1788]

Hi

I am having problems when cantering, I haven't got a very secure seat in canter, so tend to grip with my legs if not i become unbalanced, and because i do this i find it hard to nudge the horse on without becoming really unbalanced. So wondered how are you meant to sit to the canter properly? Are you meant to grip at all with your legs? If not how do you stay on without coming off?
Thanks xx

 

[random_rider]

Ummm i sit deep and manage to plonk my butt there and feel quite safe! Also sitting deep will make it easier to get into canter so you dont get unbalenced before you actually canter, if you get me?! If i get unbalenced (dont really anymore, unless the hoss bucks!!!!) i normally grab some mane until i have balence back! I think you should grip with your lower leg...?
Good luck!

 

[debradley]

Would agree sitting deep is the secret, I tend to find if I look up to the sky with my eyes every now and again this helps to keep me in a good position. I don't so much grip with my lower leg, I guess I'd describe it more of a hug with my calf muscles; that way you are able to encourage the horse on with your heel without having to loosen the hug.

 

[Booboos]

I think you can only get the legs right if you forget about them and concentrate on your back. A straight back is the only way you can balance your body (think of all the dancers out there and how they balance everything through a perfectly straight back). Concentrate on looking up, this will help with the upper part of your back, then work on your shoulders, they need to be back but down (to get them there perhaps lift them and rotate them back and down, pushing your shoulder blades in), stick your boobs out (this is the easiest to remember) and eventually you will get the feeling of your lower back absorbing the movement. If you get your back right, you will feel the weight drop down your legs, your feet will 'fill up' the stirrups instead of moving around in them, you will be able to relax your knees and thighs.

...clearly though, easier said than done!!!! Perhaps your instructor can help by giving you lunge lessons where you can forget about the horse and think about your position.

 

[Tiffany]

If he's good on the lunge why not try a lunge lesson, they are great for improving your balance/position

If you don't fancy that, you need to relax you back and legs or you will bounce in the saddle. It's practice, practice and more practice but you'll get there.