Seat Moving Too Much at the Canter?

[PNWSunnyDay]

Had a lunge lesson today and trainer says I have a tendency to move my hips too much at the canter. She says I don’t let the horse’s motion move my hips, I move them. When she would tell me to sit more still the horse would always break to a trot when she felt the resistance. I guess I need to video myself at the canter so I can see what she sees, because I definitely can’t feel it. I am feeling more confused now so I would love some feedback.

A little background: horse is a wonderful grade hony, but with a shorter stride. I am an adult rider in my late 30’s with some physical stuff going on myself (hyper-mobility and a foot disability.)

[Scribbler]

Yes get video and watch at home. It is possible that the coach is seeing something but describing it wrongly. It’s possible you are moving your upper body too much or not disconnecting your upper and lower body. Or something.

[PNWSunnyDay]

Upper body is still, she says it looks like I try to push the saddle when I canter. Specifically that my hips move too much. Definitely will be putting the phone out on the rail to catch some video.

[Heinz_57]

Possibly you are ‘scooping’ your seat too much? Too driving?

Since it was a lunge lesson, did she have you do any other body exercises to stop the over-riding? Like maybe arm circles, or hands up in the air? Stuff other than just trying to consciously stop moving your pelvis as much?

I completely understand that not every horse is the kind you want to drop the reins on but most of my lunge line lessons have had the horse in side reins, so the regular reins were just incidental and the lunger is in control of the horse.

[Willesdon]

Probably, as you tried to move your hips less you were simulatously sending the message to the horse to trot. In effect, you were doing a half halt. I suggest more lessons on the lunge to help you in the canter. Less is more: you need to learn to allow the horse to do the work rather than doing it all yourself.

[Fiesta01]

Many decades ago, when I was transitioning from hunters to dressage I was having a problem sitting quietly at canter. (Too many years in half seat). I went for a LONG trail ride (walk only) with some friends. On arriving back at the barn, I went into the ring, picked up canter and sat perfectly and quietly. I never lost it. It was like a light bulb going off moment.

I think it was a combination of being emotionally relaxed with my friends and the movement of the walk loosening up my waist and hips. I wasn’t mentally thinking of anything when I went into the canter, so my body just did what it was supposed to do with no effort from me.

Maybe it would work for you?

[PNWSunnyDay]

@Heinz_57 This is most likely the issue, driving too much. I was ’ hands free’ (horse on side reins) but trainer didn’t have me focused on a separate task- just trying to not move my hips so much.

@Willesdon Yes, the horse knows me well and the tension in my seat trying to ‘stay still’ was definitely asking her to come down to trot. That’s what I was confused about.

[wsmoak]

“Whatever you do, don’t think about a white tiger!”

Now… what image is in your mind? Outside of the lesson, talk to your instructor about this in general and encourage her to tell you what she wants you do to: relax your lower back, breathe, etc. Not what NOT to do. Human brains don’t work that way. When you try to STOP doing something, you are focused on… the thing you don’t want to be doing.

Depending on your learning style, the Centered Riding book has a lot of good visualizations for absorbing the horses motion and sitting quietly.

[merrygoround]

At first in canter, you need to sit with the canter, so relax, and think of waltz rhythm and follow that rhythm. Later by using your body and legs, you can learn to slow the canter by slowing the follow of your hips which still must remain in waltz rythm, but slower. And then you can learn to use your seat, still in waltz rhythm, legs on, but longer for lenthening strdes, and both longer and quicker, for truly longer and quicker strides… Collection will follow by learning to lift your upper body strongly. That takes core muscles.

It might be helpful to play the “Tennesse Waltz” on a loud speaker. Just relax and go.

[AlexA]

I’ve had problems with my seat too -both in holding tension that stops the horse and in too much/incorrect movement when I’m trying to avoid that tension thing I do. I know now that for sure I tense my seat when I’m doing lateral movements because of trying to position my legs for the movement , that’s when I was able to notice I do it. My seat becomes much more natural if I do some no stirrups work to allow my seat to just follow naturally. Even just a little each day I find helps to remind my seat to stay flowing and natural, without overdoing it. I do need/appreciate daily guidance to remind me to keep my position correct though so use these two lessons on Ride iQ regularly.

[anon68314200]

1. Video. 2) Mary Wanless work. What area are you in? A friend of mine is currently gauging interest for a clinic.

[Knights_Mom]

I suspect that when you’re thinking to sit the canter more you’re sitting up, maybe back onto your seat bones to still your seat and slightly tensing your legs. These aids are for the downward transition. Your horse is correct.

[PNWSunnyDay]

I’m the the Pacific Northwest

[anon68314200]

Ok this clinic I am thinking of is East coast. If you are interested, you could reach out an inquire if she is aiming for your area.

[SadieRidingHorses]

@anon68314200 I am interested!

[anon68314200]

Can you DM me on FB?