Cantering.

So I've been practicing cantering quite a bit, like going with the canter. I bounced up and down a lot and came out of the saddle. So, after practicing, I can fully sit the canter now without even coming off the saddle. However, I noticed my legs are swinging a lot, kind of like absorbing the bounce instead of my butt. I ride western (just throwing that in.) I was looking for tips. I'm going to continue practicing. Please don't suggest "get an instructor" or anything of that sort, just looking for tips! Thank you :)

I've heard to think of your torso as swinging from your shoulders. That would be as opposed to trying to keep the motion locallized from your waist down.

So I visulize sitting in one of those big park swings, and pushing with my rear about the same way you have to to get a swing going. Hopefully this also helps get the horse more up under himself.

I feel it helps me keep my hands quieter, too.

I'd certainly welcome anyone else's thoughts on this idea.

I had the same problem when I started learning how to lope. What helped me was making SURE to keep my heels down and my body position correct. Plus that still happens to me sometimes if my horse is on the wrong lead.

Sometimes this happens when the rider is collapsing in the middle. A lot of guys do this, they sit so far back on their pockets that their belly button comes inward and their spine has a c shaped curve around it. It is a very weak position.
Sounds like you are making strides though. Better to have your legs move than to pop rythmically out of the saddle. Try thinking about sitting up tall and have your HEART lead you into space as you canter forward.

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to focus on my legs next time I ride, which is tomorrow. I would still like more tips though!

I love to canter! Thought I put that out there