Pelvic allowance in canter ("space hopper" feel)

What It Does

Builds the pelvic flexibility needed to follow canter's asymmetrical swing without bracing at the back of each stride. The space hopper image helps because a rider on a space hopper cannot brace against the bounce — they have to follow it or fall off.

What to Feel

A slight rolling allowance through the pelvis that matches the canter stride. No hard stop at the back of the movement. The hindquarters of the horse passing through rather than being stopped by the rider's seat.

Common Mistakes

• Sitting tall but rigid — the spine can be upright and the pelvis still fix.
• Making the pelvic movement too large and exaggerated.
• Using the lower back to absorb rather than forwarding it through the pelvis.