Seat Western

Seat Western

How do I keep a better seat while cantering?

I've just recently started riding again, I used to jump and do cross country, but I hadn't ridden in nearly two years.
Now that I'm riding again, I have an extremely difficult time staying balanced while cantering. I also have a tendency to be "tossed around" in the saddle. Currently the only solution I have is hold the back of the saddle and pretty much force myself to stay seated. Currently, when riding I'm using a Western Saddle. Any ideas on how to keep myself better seated?

Ditch the Western saddle if you want to ultimately reach the goal of jumping again - the only way to improve in an English Saddle is to ride in an english saddle.

Also, no, do NOT grip with your knees, that is the exact opposite of what you're supposed to do. Your ankles should be turned out ever-so-slightly, ensuring that your lower leg is wrapped around the horse all the way up to your inner upper thigh. Always. While you should never have a death grip, you should always, always have leg to maintain a strong position and encourage the horse to work into the bridle(meaning that if you have a horse that runs, they will be asked to work into the correct contact and make them more manageable and pleasant for you).

I just got over a back injury, and I had an issue sitting the canter for a while. Make sure you're working on your core-strength, that is absolutely vital for stamina - also, do not perch or lean forward. You need to keep your upper body on the vertical, and your shoulders open - by leaning forward you are working against gravity and effectively pulling your butt out of the saddle whether you realize it or not - by sitting back you are using your own body weight to keep you in the saddle.

Remember to isolate your hips(you don't want to move your entire body, after all) and keep them open and flexible, keep your heel and leg anchored at the horses side.

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