Training
Cantering a full-size horse: seat and arm technique
How do you stop bouncing around like a maniac when you're riding a big horse? (Especially the slightly lazier ones you have to keep pushing on the whole time). On a pony it's no problem at all to sit down and go with it. I'm also wondering how you go with your arms so you don't accidentally pull the horse in the mouth.
Answers from HayHay's experts
Hi!
Ask someone to lunge you so you can work on your seat without having to think about your arms. Riding without stirrups in all the gaits usually helps you find a natural balance.
Try taking up a light seat instead of sitting down. That often helps you find the beat and the rhythm, and you can then move on to sitting.
The horse may also go more freely forward when you are in a light seat. Before you have found your own coordination, it is easy to brake with your seat by sitting against the movement instead of riding with it.
I hope your riding instructor or coach can share a few tricks with you as well 😊 The best thing is to practise, practise, practise, ideally on lots of different horses 🤗🐎
Good luck 🦄
Malin Axel-Nilsson
Equine Ethologist
