cantering:eek:

[iwantapet]

hey ive just started to canter and i cant get used to the springing into it and the speed i get really nervous:eek: :shocked:

[lneill84]

The more nervous you get, the stiffer you will ride and the worst the rocking will be. You want to sit up tall and melt into the saddle, and let your legs absorb the shock. I've ridden some pretty uncomfortable horses, and they all usually jumpers, with a very springy gate. My eq horse was super comfy and you could fall asleep on him cantering around.

[iwantapet]

The more nervous you get, the stiffer you will ride and the worst the rocking will be. You want to sit up tall and melt into the saddle, and let your legs absorb the shock. I've ridden some pretty uncomfortable horses, and they all usually jumpers, with a very springy gate. My eq horse was super comfy and you could fall asleep on him cantering around.

thank u this really helped but my instructor said i sat very well in it for my first time any other tips?:applause:

[BlackJackBreeze]

The more you fight the horse's canter, the more he'll fight with you. Any time you're willing to fight with a horse, he's willing to fight back. See if you can use a half-halt right before your transition so you can get the horse balanced and have him be ready for the transition. You might also want to try cantering in a circle until he gets nice and slow and supple, or maybe a figure eight. Don't grip with your knees or thighs. This will make your seat come out of the saddle and encourage the horse to go forward. Keep half-halting in the canter to help him stay off his forehand, as well. Also, concentrate on the horse's movement. Know where his feet are falling and use that knowledge to influence them. You can't influence your horse's speed while his feet are on the ground, so half halt when you feel the hind feet come forward.

I know this may seem like a lot to remember, so you can try concentrating on one at a time. I find it helps to close your eyes (only for 3 seconds at a time or less). Jumping position, or two-point, might also help you stay balanced and go with your horse. I know cantering can be scary, especially on a fast, unbalanced, or big horse, but try to go with the horse, don't fight his motion. Good luck!

[iwantapet]

The more you fight the horse's canter, the more he'll fight with you. Any time you're willing to fight with a horse, he's willing to fight back. See if you can use a half-halt right before your transition so you can get the horse balanced and have him be ready for the transition. You might also want to try cantering in a circle until he gets nice and slow and supple, or maybe a figure eight. Don't grip with your knees or thighs. This will make your seat come out of the saddle and encourage the horse to go forward. Keep half-halting in the canter to help him stay off his forehand, as well. Also, concentrate on the horse's movement. Know where his feet are falling and use that knowledge to influence them. You can't influence your horse's speed while his feet are on the ground, so half halt when you feel the hind feet come forward.

I know this may seem like a lot to remember, so you can try concentrating on one at a time. I find it helps to close your eyes (only for 3 seconds at a time or less). Jumping position, or two-point, might also help you stay balanced and go with your horse. I know cantering can be scary, especially on a fast, unbalanced, or big horse, but try to go with the horse, don't fight his motion. Good luck!
my instructor tried explain half halt but im still confused what does it mean?:innocent:

[lneill84]

A half halt is basically just a minor "check" with the reins. It is not enough to really slow your horse down a gait, but it can help collect and balance them. There is a timing aspect to it, but dont worry about that yet :) The amount of pressure entirely depends on the horse. Some horses will collect the minute they feel you sink deeper into the saddle while others it takes some gentle pressure on the reins. The more strung out on his forehand a horse gets, the more uncomfortable a canter can be. If he has a very elastic hind end, his canter will be very upright and bouncy, even if he is collected and balanced. Jumpers tend to be very very uncomfortable, even at the trot. I've ridden some horses with such elastic hind ends that when you are trotting, it feels like you are going to get launched off. See if your instructor has a nice gentle horse with a comfy canter. My eq horse, Eli, had the best canter in the entire world. He was so comfy-i miss it!

[iwantapet]

thank you loads if uve got any more tips they wud be welcome:)

[Fluffyrice]

follow your horses canter with your hips, rocking back and foward keeping your legs in place and follow your horses mouth...if you watch a horse canter, their heads go up and down, keeping your hands in place you are hitting them in the mouth...good luck