Posting The Canter
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I am so happy to see that trainers and judges are on board with opposing the “posting canter”.
I like where Geoff Teall says, “Posting the canter is incorrect.”
And that all of the commenting professionals are on the same side of the fence when commenting on their opinions about the posting canter. One professional, Jim Wofford, is …”vehemently opposed to the practice of “posting at the canter.””.
So what gives?
Why is it still being done?
To what end?
I was an equitation rider and hunter rider, back in the 1970’s. I even qualified for the Maclay finals in 1974, when they were still being held at Madison Square (although I worked hard, and got there…I was not amongst the greats!) There were so many phenomenal riders, and equitation was virtually under the standards of George Morris, as to what was considered most correct.
I recall seeing many ‘1sts’, back then–such as the 1st time I saw a warmblood, in a stall at Stoneleigh-Burnham… “how can that horse jump a 5’5” fence?!’ That was the beginning for that era!!
But I also recall the 1st time I saw a rider posting to the canter (a known trainer back in those times; I won’t name anyone), and I wondered why, and why… Back then, most all of us rode Thoroughbreds, still my favorite breed. And we get off of the horse’s back when galloping through a foxhunt field– which is what the definition of huntseat riding is based upon. However, there was never a posting to the canter EVER included, in consideration of proper Huntseat equitation. It was just a silly fad, and I’m sorry to see that it’s coming up again…. Boo-hiss.
I’ve been looking for something on this for quite sometime. I was trying to understand the fad and purpose. Who decided it was good and OK? It looks horrible but more important uncomfortable for the horse.
One of the worst clinics I had, this instructor had me ride my pony by holding on to my bit. Thank God she was a saint. I was old enough (hour lessons age 3 cantering age 4. I was at least 10 for this guy) to understand to ride in 2 point/half seat that’s what I think his point was he was clear. (Not what my aunt taught me) but the bit put me in on or in front of the pommel. Well I front of the vertical.