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*Disclaimer, I did not know whether to put this in the snark factory or the paddock so if this is in the wrong category please forgive!* So I've been riding for 4(?) years now. I'm only just now learning how to canter! I feel like at first I was learning a ton and progressing each lesson. But now I just to the same trot work to "Fix my lower leg" but alas, 6 months went by and no progress. I barely ever canter and when I do it's just my instructor saying "no, no! Wrong leg! Wrong leg! Are you listening?!" I used to think it was fine but then my friend started cantering in just a year. Should I get a new instructor? Or am I just a slow learner? |
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Everyone learns at a different pace. 'Wrong leg' doesn't tell you much. Does your instructor go into more detail ? You might ask them to show you what they mean. |
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Trivia Team
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As an instructor, I have kids that are ready to canter in six months and kids that are ready in two years and some that will simply never be at that level. Cantering is faster and more unsteady and any weaknesses a rider has at the trot are going to create a dangerous situation at the canter. Everybody learns at their own pace. The kids that are easiest to teach are the ones that actually put in the work and TRUST me. When I say "heels down", they put their heels down, even if it feels wrong because they've grown used to having their heels up. In this sport, if you're not uncomfortable, you're not going to improve. It's like writing with your opposite hand. Of course it feels wrong. You've been doing it a different way for your whole life. But once you push through that discomfort, and you can write left handed or put your heels down, then a whole world opens up to you. That being said, it is highly possible that you and your coach aren't meshing. It may be worth visiting another barn, if what she says and how she says it isn't clicking with you. There's nothing wrong with needing a different type of instruction. |
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Ive asked them, apparently im cueing for the canter with the wrong leg, ive tried to fix it but nothing workes ; (
SandWitch Arabians said:
Everyone learns at a different pace. 'Wrong leg' doesn't tell you much. Does your instructor go into more detail ? You might ask them to show you what they mean.
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Thanks
FirstLightFarms said:
As an instructor, I have kids that are ready to canter in six months and kids that are ready in two years and some that will simply never be at that level. Cantering is faster and more unsteady and any weaknesses a rider has at the trot are going to create a dangerous situation at the canter. Everybody learns at their own pace. The kids that are easiest to teach are the ones that actually put in the work and TRUST me. When I say "heels down", they put their heels down, even if it feels wrong because they've grown used to having their heels up. In this sport, if you're not uncomfortable, you're not going to improve. It's like writing with your opposite hand. Of course it feels wrong. You've been doing it a different way for your whole life. But once you push through that discomfort, and you can write left handed or put your heels down, then a whole world opens up to you. That being said, it is highly possible that you and your coach aren't meshing. It may be worth visiting another barn, if what she says and how she says it isn't clicking with you. There's nothing wrong with needing a different type of instruction.
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I teach younger kids occasionally, and one thing i can tell you is that everybody had different progress levels. Its taken me 8 years of riding 3 times a week to get me at the level im at. Its hard work! But i understand its hard. Especially in canter, which is a very different pace to walk or trot! its hard to get used too sometimes. Try talking to your coach about explaining things a little better and more thouroughly. Just like you, i spent 4 years just really learning how to master walk trot and canter before i started jumping and doing dressage and more complicated stuff! a piece of advice ill give you is to not be afraid to stop, take a breath and talk to your instructor about whats going on. If they are telling you "wrong leg!" ask them how to fix it. Ask them how to show you how to get on the correct leg. It took me 4 years to finally realize all i had to do was ask, and stop being scared of my horse and my instructor. If you ever need riding advice for cantering, leg positioning, whatever, just message me! im not a professional by any means but ive been riding for a while now, on a lot of different horses. And just like you its taken me many many years of training to progress! Just remember to always have fun and enjoy everything <3 |
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*Edit* - I switched instructors and and now can canter! |
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Yay, that's so exciting! I hope you're enjoying yourself! I started riding when I was 6. I cantered on my first ride and properly learned how to canter within the first week. not only is each rider diffrent, but each instructor is different too. Some don't know how to teach beginners, some don't know how to teach advanced riders. Some(often the ones who had to work harder at it and may not be 'naturally talented') are really good at explaining 'things' thoroughly and clearly(and will re-explain it if asked), and others(often the 'naturally talented' riders) can't or don't know how to explain 'things' properly. It's just a matter of finding an instructor that not only suits your needs, but one who you can trust(and who trusts you), and who will explain 'things' to your understanding. Also one that you get along with, because that is also very important. I hope you like your new instructor! |
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Thank you so much! My old instuctors teaching style did not fit well with my learning style and it took me 3 years to understand that, now im doing so much better and learning so much more!
Helderfontein said:
Yay, that's so exciting! I hope you're enjoying yourself! I started riding when I was 6. I cantered on my first ride and properly learned how to canter within the first week. not only is each rider diffrent, but each instructor is different too. Some don't know how to teach beginners, some don't know how to teach advanced riders. Some(often the ones who had to work harder at it and may not be 'naturally talented') are really good at explaining 'things' thoroughly and clearly(and will re-explain it if asked), and others(often the 'naturally talented' riders) can't or don't know how to explain 'things' properly. It's just a matter of finding an instructor that not only suits your needs, but one who you can trust(and who trusts you), and who will explain 'things' to your understanding. Also one that you get along with, because that is also very important. I hope you like your new instructor!
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Sunny
