Coaching
Balanced CHRIS COX Don’t let a sloppy riding position hinder your horse’s potential
hen you’re shopping for a horse, one of the things you look for is a well built, well balanced horse. If you are lucky enough to have found this perfect creature, don’t let an unbalanced position affect his good way of going. I’ve found that frequently when a rider complains of a sore back it’s usually due to the way he rides and not that he has a rough horse. Many of the problems people experience with their horses stem from the fact that the rider is not balanced correctly in the saddle to effectively manoeuver him.
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If you’re out of balance in the saddle, you also are going to be out of time and rhythm with your horse’s movements. On the other hand, when you are balanced in the saddle, you can better help your horse remain balanced as you ride.
I often see people working on manoeuvers when they are off balance. When you are out of rhythm it makes it twice as hard for your horse to understand what you are asking for. A balanced rider stays out of the horse’s way and moves with the horse’s flow and stride. When a rider is balanced in the saddle they can better feel the horse’s footfall underneath, and this makes it easier to pick up the correct lead and do various manoeuvers.
Learning to ride balanced and centred is so important. It takes time and practise to improve your timing and skill in the saddle. Your position has a great deal to do with riding correctly so here are a few pointers to get you underway.
FLEXIBLE HIPS Many people are under the impression that a rider just sits on a horse. In reality you should actively move your hips in rhythm with the
horse’s motion. Your hips should move and your lower back should roll slightly, you don’t want to stiffen your back. If you don’t move in sync with your horse’s rhythmic motion you will start bouncing in the saddle, and this makes for a rough ride as well as throwing you and your horse off balance. When your hips move in rhythm with the horse you have a much more comfortable ride since your hips can absorb any shock.
SHOULDERS SQUARE Although your hips should work in a forward and back motion with your horse’s movement, your upper body should remain still. Your shoulders should always be square and in line with your horse’s shoulders. Many riders unconsciously twist their shoulders to one side. Doing this can twist your seat in the saddle and immediately put you off balance. Men often ride with a wallet in the back pocket and that can offset the rider’s balance too, so leave the billfold at home.
BREATHE DEEP
Remember to be conscious of your breathing when you ride, and make it a point to breathe naturally. If you breathe shallowly, or hold your breath, your body tenses, affecting both your balance and position. Breathing deeply allows you to have a deeper seat in the saddle and to relax into your horse’s movements.
FIRST THINGS FIRST You must be able to ride comfortably in balance and in rhythm with your horse before trying to teach maneuvers. You should be a good rider before you become a trainer. You can’t expect to perform advanced maneuvers on a horse if you don’t have correct centred balance.
RIDING
14
May/June 2012
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