Help! I ride horses, but I can't help from bouncing!?

Question

Okay, I ride horses with my friend. I don't have any of my own, so obviously I can't practice everyday. But when I run I sit up in the saddle so I don't bounce, but I still do. I hang on to the saddlehorn (I don't feel balanced enough to let go) so that probably doesn't help. My friend said I need to get into the groove with the horse, but I just need some help on figuring out HOW. Also, I need help finding balance so I can let go of the saddle horn.

Answer 1

you have to move with the horse posting helps alot i had that same problem you just need to get in the motion of the horse it is simple just up,down,up,down you will get it down no problem

Answer 2

Well, trotting is very bouncy. Posting helps. The link will tell you more. Your best bet is probably to get riding lessons.  

Answer 3

Well Minni Mouse . it sounds like your not Minni

Go get some lessons and then when you ride better you can show up your friend,,

Go to a pro

Running a horse is not that good You need to get your balance thru thr walk trot and then canter,,

I am happy you have enough feelings in you, Not to Bounce on the poor horses; back

I will star you for that

Now find a barn and get more pros help ,, ok  

Answer 4

Based on your question, you seem to be riding western.  One suggestion I would make came from a wrangler at a ranch we went to- let your butt spread out over the seat and pretend your legs are roots in the ground (not that you push down, just that they are not gripped tight since it causes you to tighten up hence more bumpy rides). Keep good posture (keep the seam on the side of your jeans, etc perpendicular to the ground) and try to relax your back and absorb the impact.  I know it sounds backwards, but its actually more comfortable.  So spread, root, sit up straight, and keep a flexible spine.  And I agree, posting is a great way to relief your bottom for trotting, but for that sitting trot  and loping, try those suggestions.   Good luck!  :)

Answer 5

If you are trotting, which you probably are, here is my suggestion. You want to drop your legs away from the horse - griping with your legs will just make the horse go faster and it will tighten your whole body which will make the bouncing worse.  The next thing you want to do is take a deep breath and really relax your but and lower back. If you tighten up your butt it will just make you back tight also which will just make you bounce. To sit a trot you have to be really relaxed and try to push your but into the saddle to move in the same rhythm as the horse. It is a one - two motion... generally a left - right motion. Make sure to take deep slow breaths to help you stay relaxed. Push your butt into the saddle and shift your hips from left to right with the motion of the horse. It is left right left right left right. Don't laugh, but I use to practice in a chair or on the arm of the couch to get the basic rhythm down. Second most important thing is to try and let go of the horn. When you hold on to the horn it makes you arch your back and lean forward. This closes your hips and contributes to the bouncing. You really want to sit back, you will really feel like you are leaning back which is good because it opens your hips, relaxes your back and allows your body to absorb the shock. Make sure you DO NOT clench you butt!!!All of the motion is in your hips and lower back. So try to practive isolating that part of your body with the left right motion. I would also suggest having your friend put the horse on a lounge line that way you can concentrate on riding the horse instead of steering. Once you have gotten the rythem down a couple of times you will always be able to do it!!!

When you move up to loping that is a forwarding rocking motion. It is easier to sit and much smoother. But  because of how powerful that motion is I would suggest getting the trot down first! When you go from trotting to lopping be sure to really relax, push your butt into the saddle and sit back so that you aren't thrown forward on the change! Otherwise you will take a chance of bouncing off!

Just try to relax and have fun!!!

Hope this helped and feel free to ask any questions!!!

Answer 6

Ask this in the Horses section in Pets for more answers (it's busier there)