Hi, im new to the horse forum...

Ive just started hacking out for the first time and am so excited that i just had to share (other half not a horsey person and looked totally disinterested when i came home jumping around!) Walked and trotted down some gorgeous country lanes then a short canter down a bridle path. It was brilll!! Think im going to have to build my confidence up with the canter, had to duck for some branches and stirrups went akimbo!

Maybe hes right and im just daft lol!!!!!

Hi. You're not daft in the least I hack out in the New Forest and my DH is terrified of horses - he doesn't understand why I enjoy it so much. Sounds as if you had a good time.
In canter try to push your weight down through your hips into your legs, down to your heels and try to relax your back. You should stay more secure. If you tense up and try to grip with your knees, that's when you lose your stirrups.

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How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven. - Robert A. Heinlein
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Thanks for advice it was first time cantering more then half a lap of a school, think i just went into survival mode!

I know what you mean We often have to duck branches on some of the forest tracks. Enjoy your riding

__________________

How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven. - Robert A. Heinlein
http://www.lambchopsiamese.webs.com

I'm glad you're having so much fun!

Due to you being new at hacking I would advise for you to put a safety strap around the horses neck.. just an old stirrup leather will do (see pic). This will give you extra balance if you hold onto it whilst trotting or cantering; especially if the horse spooks! Worst thing ever is to fall out on a hack as the horse may try to get home the way it came.. i.e: roads/public footpaths etc.

Just a little bit of advise! Enjoy

Attached Images

Neck-strap.jpg (13.6 KB, 5 views)

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Dont feel stupid! There is nothing better than a good old canter on a bridle path, I find it is the best stress relief too! lol
You will soon find your balance as it is different to being in the school! When you are in the school the canter is more collected and easier to sit to as you are closed in and you are not worrying about banging your head on branches
I would suggest doing it a few more times and getting used to sitting in the canter and then try standing out of your seat! I was always really wobbly in canter on tracks outside of the school due to having bad knees and struggled to keep my feet in the stirrups but then tried standing out of the seat and I personally found it so much easier!
Ask your instructor what they think and they may be able to give you a few tips!
P.s. get some pics