Why is it i have an easier time cantering bareback then with a saddle?

Question

when i use a saddle i feel like im gonna fly backwards lol and it takes me awhile to get use to it (im just learning how to canter)

but there was 2 times where my horse started cantering while i was bareback and i was fine and i didnt feel at all like i was falling off,why is that

and also i was wondering how can i learn my balance cantering with a saddle cuz i feel so stupid,im like holding on to the saddle cuz if i dont i feel like i might fall =[

Answer 1

Probaby because when you ride bareback, you are forced to rely on your own balance and feel.  You have no "crutch" and nothing to brace yourself against, so you HAVE to find your center of gravity.  Bareback work is awesome for developing good feel, so keep at it  (consider a bareback pad or a saddle pad held on with a surcingle if you do a lot of work bareback, just to save your horse's back.  You'll still get the same benefits.)

Answer 2

dont feel stupid!

if ur not confident then your horse woulnt feel confident either and so they might not do their best canter just remember to keep your heels way down and you  can hold onto the mane

Answer 3

The saddle is a rigid barrier between you and the horse, and you are used to having the movement of the horse directly beneath you...the feel is completely different.  The next step in training your balance is to ride in the saddle without stirrups, and when that becomes comfortable, if you can find a partner to lunge your horse, try with your arms outstretched as well.

Answer 4

because when you ride bareback you are forced to keep you leg down and squeezed onto the horses side... you also don't have stirrups to brace against

Answer 5

When you are riding bareback it's easier to feel how the horse is moving. It is a great feeling and a lot of fun.

As for cantering in a saddle, if you can, do some canter work on the longe line. Have someone else hold the longe line, and go! You said you always hold on to the saddle, what helped me was my instructor told me to put my arms out to the side. On a longe line you won't have to worry about where the horse is going, just focus on your balance. The only way I can really explain it is to "Sweep" the seat- it will sort of feel like using a Hula Hoop. Once you find the rhythm to it it's like riding a bike- it will be just as easy as cantering bareback. Good luck, I went through the same thing as you!

Answer 6

Hump the saddle. LoL. I know it sounds weird..and feels a bit weird to but it really works. This is what my family friend/instructor said. Just really thrust your pelvis forward to the rythum of the canter. Hope it helps and  hope you feel more comfortable! :)

Answer 7

If you feel off balance like you're going to fall off backwards you are probably standing in your stirrups and perching on the back of your saddle. Try to have your butt more forward with your back pockets on the saddle. Your heels should be down with a straight line from your shoulder to your hip to your heel.

You are probably also becoming tense when you ask the horse to canter as opposed to the horse doing it on his own when you weren't expecting it. You need to trust yourself and breathe. When you are tense you will bounce more, slide more and your balance will be off.

Please don't be afraid to do more walk and trot work to gain your balance and build your confidence if you are uncomfortable cantering.

Answer 8

I've found that lengthening your stirrups just a little bit will help you to feel more secure.  Try that, lots of people, especially newbies, have their stirrups too short.

Answer 9

It sounds like you are sitting up and leaning too far back in the saddle while are leaning forward crouched over the mane when bareback.

Careful with holding the saddle horn on trail rides over rough ground.  If the horse stumbles you could be pitched forward.  But do not feel too self conscious about it.  Many people do that.  Some of which have been riding for years.

But yes the stirrups may well be too short.  Put the saddle on the horse and stand up in the stirrups.  The space between your crotch and the saddle should be just enough to squeeze a softball in.

Answer 10

riding bareback makes you sit natural and move with the horse better. next time you canter in the saddle pretend your bareback and slowy move your hips like your hula hooping to move with him. make sure you try to stick your but in the saddle(don't bounce around) and maybe take some lessons.

good luck

Answer 11

Your just not used to the saddle yet... once you get used to it you wont feel like your going to fly backwards.. and riding bareback lets you move with the horse better, and you can get the feel of how the horse moves while its troting, cantering, etc..

Answer 12

Hello,

I think it is awesome that you feel most comfortable cantering bareback!  YOU have LOTS of balance.

I would recommend that you check the length of your saddle STURUPS___I forgot to finish this out...SORRY(if you are riding western?).  Maybe you have them a bit short?

EDIT><><><><><

There is NOTHING wrong with holding the saddle horn while you learn to canter in the saddle.  YOU won't always do it!  If it makes you feel more secure why not do it.  The more secure and the more you do it, the faster you will let go of that horn....

EDIT EDIT<><><><<><>

My daughter added try it without your stupups!  just don't put your feet in them...  IT is great practice too.