How do I canter properly, without getting motion sick?

Question

I was at my friends stable a month ago - and I rode the horse I usually do. We mounted and started working them around the arena. We started with easy trot and walk transitions and circle exercises, when she started to canter. I had been riding Dawson for a few weeks - I thought we could try a canter too. (I learned to ride Western, but have switched to english). We trotted counter clockwise. When we got to the far corner, I asked for a canter. I get motion sick really easily - and I couldnt find my balance in time and settle into his stride. My left foot fell out of the stirrup and I was about to hit the sand. I sat back, gripped with my calves and pulled back. He halted, and I managed to stay in the saddle.

I went back the next day and asked to ride Dawson, and they told me no. They said that I didn't have the skills for him. I was eventually able to ride him - but ive been so discouraged I havent gone back since.

Please help me - I don't want to give up...

Answer 1

I've worn scopolamine patches for motion sickness; they work great, don't get in your way as they fit right behind your ear.  I'd certainly give them a try.  Your doctor will write a script for them.  Don't let the nerds get you down!!

http://studenttravel.about.com/od/boarda...

Also learn to pick out a point or object on the wall if you're schooling in an arena and focus on it as a reference point as you're loping along...obviously as your move along the wall your point of reference will change and you'll find a new point of reference as you move along.  

Reining trainers have the same problem..in the spin they focus at a point on the arena wall in front of them to avoid becoming dizzy; the point of reference also helps them count the number of revolutions they've completed as it is very easy to overspin in their patterns.  A pattern may call for three and a quarter turns(spins) and those riders have to know how many they have completed or be penalized for going to far.

Answer 2

if you get motion sick easily the best way to test if you could handle the canter would be to find a seasoned school horse that you know won't do anything odd and canter them around and see if you can get the motion of it without getting motion sick as bad. if not, maybe you won't be able to. =/

Answer 3

Ask them if the trainer there can give you longe lessons. If you don't know what a longe lesson is, it's where a trainer longes you on a horse with or without reins... probably now without reins, so you can find your balance and build riding skills without having to worry about the horse. If Dawson seems to be too much for you, ask for another horse that has an easier canter to ride. When you are longed, it protects the horse from you pulling on his mouth, etc. Yes, you can't ride with your friends when you are being longed, but it benefits so much in the long run. It sounds like you might need some help with balance and such, but remember that nothing good or worth doing is going to be a quick fix. It's going to take time. If you don't already have a trainer or a riding instructor, get one! It seems like you might need one if you have a hard time staying on if you drop a stirrup :) Just be safe and patient, and take lessons! Go on the longe line! You will feel safer, and it will protect the horse from a pilot error. If you get a good trainer or riding instructor, expect to be on the longe line for 4-8 months to build up your seat. Riding without stirrups is fantastic! Remember, that the order of aiding is seat, leg, then rein.

MOST OF ALL... don't let them discourage you or bring you down! If you love riding don't stop! You may want to go to another barn that isn't as critical, because that barn seems very negative. That was very impolite of them to tell you that. Go after what you want!

Good luck! :)

Answer 4

First off, they can be correct saying you aren't ready.

I would take some lunge lessons with no stirrups. If you have an experienced trainer, schedule a lesson. They will keep the horse on the lunge so you can focus on your leg, seat, and body. After a week or two of these, you will get better at cantering, and your overall seat will be improved.

With your better seat, you will be steadier, so you will be less likely to get motion sickness. If you still do, try to look up and straight ahead, where the view will be less blurry. If all else fails, see if you can ride a slower and steadier horse.

And don't give up. Horse riding is never fully learned. There is always something else you have to master, this is one of those things. Keep riding, and keep getting better.

Answer 5

And I thought I got motion sickness easy. You have me beat.

Have you tried anything like Dramamine (not sure that's how you spell it). They have a less sleepy formula that works really well. The off brands don't seem to work to good to me. Have you talked to a doctor? You may have a inner ear infection or something. I have heard of that before. I hope it all works out for you. Keep trying!

Answer 6

motion sickness occurs when your body can tell you are moving but your eyes are focused on still movement, sending mixed signals to your brain. If you are looking foreward and straight and not looking down at your horse, you should be fine. The moition of a canter is just something you have to get used to, dont fight it, just go with it and in time youll be cantering without a problem in the world!!

Answer 7

They're the doofs that discouraged you.

Trotting makes me sick, I hate it. But hey, if you had a problem with cantering than maybe you need to drink more...or eat more. Say, I have a problem with eating and drinking so I get sick alot. I'm not saying you do too just make sure that it's not that thats making you ill.

Answer 8

the second you feel his stride extend, and transition to canter, sit up. a lot of riders get stuck in a forward position, which provokes unsteadiness, and in your case, sickness. in polo, you do a special, almost posting type movement. letting the forward motion of the inside leg carry you up out of the saddle, hold with your calves for two strides, then sit back on the saddle for two strides, and repeat. find your own comfort level in the canter. you might have to simply stay out of the saddle until you feel comfortable enough to sit back and enjoy.

p.s. don't be afraid. you may have to wait to build your confidence before trying again, which is ok. when you try, be sure of yourself, even though it is new.