Trotting/Cantering and Breeding

Question
Hi, could you possibly tell me the proper way to post when you trot (I can sort of do it so that it isn't very bumpy but after a while I sort of lose control; I can't steer when I'm trotting and I find it hard to stop), and do you need to post when you canter? I've only cantered once and it wasn't for very long and it was rather painful...

And just another question, I think horses breed in spring, do they breed in any other season as well? Thanks in advance!

Answer
ok easy questions first
No you dont need to post to the canter.  You should sit to the canter and attempt to move with the rhythm of the horse.
Horses breed when the grass is good, usually between March and August, although racehorses breed earlier and it is possible for them to breed later.
To learn to post to the trot properly i would suggest taking a couple of lessons on the lunge without stirrups.  This will improve your basic balance and should help you to learn not to grip with your heels.
Start off in a sitting trot then when you feel like you are being pushed out of the saddle rise and then sit back down, use the rhythm of the horse's footfalls to keep your rhythm going.  Start off with short trots and make them longer and longer.
Hope this helps
Sarah