How can I sit the lope better?

Question

I am a novice rider, I have ridden about 3 times in the last 5 years and I tried lopeing yesterday. Well it was scary, My feet imediantly came out of the stirrups and i flopped around like a sack of potatoes. Any tips on riding the canter. I ride western.

Answer 1

It just takes practice. When I learned how to ride many many years ago, my trainer told me to imagine I was "kneading bread with my butt". Also, make sure you keep your weight back, if you get leaning forward too much that is when your feet will come out of the stirrups. Once you get better you can lean forward to gallop, but try and start slow. Also, try lightly holding onto the cantle or place your hand on the cantle and try to focus on keeping your butt on her fingers. Hope this helps, good luck!

Answer 2

Check out this site:
http://www.horseandcountry.tv/

Have a look at the Parelli programmes. There are lots of simple riding tips in the second half of the programmes, but you may find all of the stuff on there quite interesting.
It's often easier to figure things out if you see an example, rather than just read about it...