**Update: first lesson in 2 years - interesting instruction?

[typekitty]

So it started out brilliantly with my horse stepping on my foot and (possibly) breaking my little toe... Ouch! Nice horse but, big chestnut named Max. Fan!

So the lesson was good, I can still ride My position is rubbish - old habits die hard

Anyway, I'm a bit confused as I found the instruction contradicted what I had been taught previously with regard to canter - I always thought you moved with the horse in the hips, sort of driving the horse forward with the seat. The instructor though was talking about staying still in the body and just using the legs to keep the horse forward. What do you think?

Found the school to be excellent - the staff are SO lovely and once I've moved house and have worked out the budget, can't wait to go back. Can't stop thinking about Max hehe.

 

[phoebe.and.bonnie]

How are you supposed to sit properly to a canter without following with your hips?! Glad you had a good lesson. I haven't had one in years either! Bet my old instructor would be horrified at seeing the bad habits I've fallen into.

 

[helenhorse]

id say he was correct, there is really no use or benefit in humping/driving the horse forward with the hips, it is best to stay supple and relaxed to let the horse move freely, and just maintain the momentum and power with the legs

 

[typekitty]

I think it might have been that I was just over-doing the movement because she was saying that I was improving, however I was still following the movement with my seat! Still not too sure. Could just be me over compensating because I believe the horse is going to break to trot. Stupid not having those leg muscles nor balance to ride him right.