that evil lope!

Now, I haven't loped in 10 years (but almost decided to this morning...but will wait a bit more for confidence to return)... however, I do remember riding it. I relax through my pelvis and let my pelvis rotate back and into my saddle slightly. I agree that your legs should be still, let your pelvis and core muscles absorb the movement.

I can do it much better without stirrups then with... I geuss I should mention that he's only three and he's just figuring out his balance... So I think he is relying on me to guide him but for whatever reason I just completely fall apart at the lope! I watch people at the shows do it and they look so comfortable, they don't even look like they are trying, their legs just stretch for miles underneath them and the just sit it... Maybe I'll do it for a while w/out stirrups until I really feel the seat. I can't figure out why my lower leg is sliding forward, I mean, I know why, it's when I sink down into my seat I allow my leg to slide forward, so I have to figure out how to sink onto my pockets while keeping my back strait and my lower legs in place.... Baling twine anyone??? Teehee...

Indeed. LOL Every horse person's secret weapon.............baling twine and duct tape. :p

Thanks smrobs, I'll try that tomorrow.... Bareback was great today! :-D

Just relax. Think tall. If he's a youngster, your right, he's looking to you for support and guidance through the lope. Keep your body calm. If you want him to drive more from behind, then just sit deep and drive him into your hands. Don't clinch and cramp. It'll only confuse him more.

I'm actually going through a similar type of ride now. I usually like to ride "up" in a half seat type position. Dunno why, just because.
With my new horse he didnt have much loping work before me...so he was inconsistant and a little frantic and the lope. So I really had to think "hands down, body quiet, no leg tension". He relied on me to relax him and support him.

Don't worry, enjoy the lope. It's the best gait.

So... how do you sit deep and keep your back straight and stay relaxed? Is it just mind over matter?

I say work on your horse first.
I'm riding a 3 y/o right now and I'm constantly having to keep my legs on him to keep him moving. It's a LOT of hip movement and thinking "deep" with your seat.

To be honest with you...I never think about keeping my back straight. I think, sit down, shoulders back, and drive my horse up into the bridle. I've found that when someone is constantly thinking stay straight stay straight, they tend to stiffen up and ride rigid.

I like to think heavy. Weight in your seat. Really sit. Rest your feet in the stirrups, but don't be tempted to stand. Gently support your legs against the horse. Grip a bit, but don't squeeze unless you're cuing. If you feel comfortable neck reining or just letting your horse "cruise," try holding on to the cantle of the saddle to help yourself sit. Don't try to hang onto the saddle horn, it will pull you forward.
Good luck!

Piece of fair warning though, if you do this for any length of time at all, be prepared for blisters on your hands. I went through a stage where I would hold onto the cantle with my right hand while doing high speed cow work. Talk about ouch. I ended up with a blister the size of a quarter on the meat of my hand just down from my thumb. Cured me of that bad habit quick fast and in a hurry. :)