[Bella]

I was told at my last show that although I have a very good seat, I need to work on sitting back more at the canter. The judge told me I am almost in 2 point when cantering.

Can anyone recommend activities to help me to sit back more, or give tips? I've been practicing, but I can't seem to find the right position.

-Bella

[EventingDayDream]

I only have a wuick sec, or I would elborate more, but work w/o stirrups on a lunge line. I'll bbl to say more!

[Paint_luver]

almost in 2point while cantering? That sounds odd. Yes, i would work with either really long stirrups or no stirrups to get good balance and to sit back a bit more. Sometimes too short of stifups can make your position hard to obtain, so practice with longer ones then progress!

[DesertBred]

Yep EDD is right! No stirrups! Makes for strong legs and good balance too!

[Dancinglite]

Bella----------Since there are various "seats" depending upon what you are showing in, my question to you is what class did you enter to get these comments ???

[belle4]

My advice would be to just sit back. Pretend that your have an imaginary object about 6 inches above your head. Try to make your body tall enough to reach it. This would be my advice for huntesat.

[EventingDayDream]

ok back! I agree with belle, my trainer is always telling me to reach upward with my body. Work w/o stirrups with definatly help as well

[Bella]

The class was a general Equitation class called Best Boy or Girl Rider, and since it was for 4-H the judge spoke with us and told us what we did right or wrong.. However the next day was the open show and I rode in English Equitation, 14 - 18 years and English Pleasure 14 - 18 years and in both I was placed 3rd out of 4. And in Hunter under Saddle, 14 - 18 years I was 4th out of 4. For these I wasn't told why.. but I am assuming it was my seat again.

I was told that I may also find it easier to sit back some if I give my horse more head, since I may be holding myself forward because of the tight reins.

But going on, I have two more shows this weekend, and perhaps you could help me on what the judge is looking for in the classes. I will be in the following:

English Pleasure 13 - 18 years
English Equitation 13 - 18 years
Hands and Seat (English) open to a boy or girl 13 - 18
Show Hack (English) over 14.2 hands
Road Hack (English) over 14.2 hands

I just wrote it exactly as the programs say.

"almost in 2point while cantering? That sounds odd." It's not quite two point, just that as the horse moves I allow my bottom to come out of the saddle slightly rather than keeping planted firmly. I find it hard to sit down tight while the horse is cantering.. maybe I'm just odd :P

-Bella

[Bella]

Okay, and I am also dying of curiosity. What is the red dot club? :P

[belle4]

In hunter under saddle, while cantering, you should be sitting tall in the saddle, almost like you would sit in a western saddle. Your back should be just as straight, but you sit more on your pelvis, not so much your pockets like in western. Your but should be deeply and firmly planted in the saddle. When you look down at you feet you should NOT be able to see you toe. You can use this like a self check to see if your leg is underneath you enough.