subject: Applied Posture Riding Review [print this page] I used to be a sloppy unbalanced rider. I hated it. I developed this program for myself and went onto compete at levels I only dreamed of. I was asked over and over for lessons and asked HOW do you become balanced and still in the saddle. This program will teach you HOW.
Riding is not as easy as the experts make it look. It is difficult to keep your balance and be effective with your aids. It is so hard to stay upright and look good in the saddle.
Of all the paces the sit trot; it is the most difficult movement to perform dignified and well.
Most riders bounce in the saddle, their legs flap against the horses' side their hands cling to the reins for balance and they lean forward.
Many riders have difficulty keeping an upright posture through transitions and keeping their seat in the saddle at the canter.
When giving an aid, they bend their wrists, look down and lean forward. Their heels come up, their lower back stiffens. Their horse drops his shoulder, throws his head up and tightens his back.
If this is you and your daily routine , and to make it all worse you repeat it over and over thinking practice will help but you don't get any better!
A forward head posture is a weakness in the neck flexors. This is a cause of headaches and a head wobble in horse riders.
The pelvis and lower back joints MUST be flexible. These are areas in every person that create pain and stiffness due to daily living, let alone when riding.
