What is the correct way of riding the canter

[MagsnDan]

Following on from the Laura B thread im interested in the correct why of riding the canter. Iv always found holding canter difficult and no doubt it would help to be riding it correctly

[Heather]

Not like Laura B, that is for sure, Mags!! The upper body should remain as still as possible, no rowing with the shoulders or shovelling with the seat. Try skipping on foot and put your hands on your hips- you will feel the hip bone making a backwards circle or oval ( vertical oval, not horizontal) and this is the same movement that your seat should make to absorb the movement in the saddle. The seatbones act as a pivot, not 'polishing the saddle' as many instructors advocate!

In this way also the back flexes and straightens the same amount as the horse's back rises and falls. Your bum remains glued to the saddle and the upper body remains quiet and elegant.

Will try to get some video done for these sort of questions as soon as I can get round to it!

Heather

[MagsnDan]

I love how you explain things Heather, makes it seem simple whats been hard to grasp for so long

That must be where im having trouble with my canter, im very stiff though the hips so im guessing compensating with my shoulders

Me in canter....(pls ignor the first bit in trot, I fell off my motorbike the day before and trot was more than a bit painful, cue a very cross looking dan when I hadnt managed walk to canter and hung on to him when it hurt )

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v655/marleycat/Dan/?action=view&current=dandec07c.mp4&mediafilter=videos

[Heather]

You just need to come down on a simulator workshop, Mags- reckon we could sort you no problem

[MagsnDan]

Heather that would be just what I need, if I just had it clear in my head both the aids and how I should be sat im sure it would all fall into place. Maybe next year finances will stretch that far Although I did just look and am suprised at how cheap the workshops are.