Do you have a bad horse riding position and coveting a solution? Look no further!
As an expert equestrian, I see many horse riders developing bad riding habits caused by sitting hunched over a computer or desk and the tension of constant rushing - but there's hope...
In this article, I aim to help you improve your riding position to ride more comfortably and effectively, which your horse will appreciate!
Keep reading to transform your riding position from OK to Amazing!
Key Takeaways
- A bad horse riding position affects both rider and horse, compromising balance and communication.
- The optimal rider alignment runs from ear-shoulder-hip-heel and from elbow to the horse's bit.
- Correcting one's riding position requires consistent practice and guidance.
5 Bad Horse Riding Positions & How To Correct Them
A rider's relationship with their horse is greatly influenced by posture. Misalignment or immobility can disrupt this harmony, and sometimes, a back brace can be beneficial in addressing these issues.
It's not solely about mastering the ideal techniques but avoiding common mistakes. Let's explore 5 bad riding positions & fixes...
#1. Looking Down
Your riding position affects your horse's way of going, so if you are stiff, crooked, and unbalanced, your horse will be too !
Looking down while riding is a bad habit that even pro riders can't seem to shake (and yes, I'm guilty, too!). But here's a fun fact...
In a survey by Honest Horse Riding on 100 riders for the most common rider faults, looking down was the number one bad habit among riders .
Breaking the ear-shoulder-hip-heel alignment occurs when the rider looks down. Accordingly, the ear falls in front of the shoulder, which causes the horse to be on its forehand (Awkward!).
But how do you fix it? Let's get to it...
How To Fix
- While riding, focus on an object in the distance, like a tree, which will help you look up, sit up, and retain the proper position.
- You can also tie some ribbon in your horse's mane as a reminder to look up when you see it.
Let's chat about the chair seat...
#2. Chair Seat
The chair seat position occurs when your knees and feet are positioned forward, causing you to lean back in the saddle.
This improper riding technique can result in instability and an inability to use your legs effectively.
It also indicates tight hip flexors and hamstrings, which could mean your stirrups are too short.
Fixing it is quite straightforward...
How To Fix
- If your stirrups are too short, adjust the length by lengthening them a few holes.
- One exercise is to grab your ankle and pull it back to feel a stretch in the front of your thigh and hip.
- Repeat this stretch several times on both sides to encourage your thigh to hang horizontally.
- Retake your stirrups and stand up at a halt to position your lower legs correctly.
You can grab some of the horse's mane halfway up the neck to help you balance.
Shoulders are important, too (see next)...
#3. Rounded Shoulders
Rounded shoulders are one of the worst riding habits, tipping your body forward and making you look like a sack of spuds sitting in the saddle!
Learning to feel upright on a horse is complex, and riders often must realize they are holding their bodies incorrectly.
In fact, rounded shoulders are a muscle memory issue created from sitting too many hours at a computer.
And here's the fix...
How To Fix
- First, find your neutral spine by placing a hand under one seat bone and feel it pointing down, not tilting backward or forward.
- Once you have found your neutral spine, place a pair of riding gloves under each armpit.
- Squeeze and relax the gloves, then squeeze them one at a time to help get your shoulders down, back, and relaxed.
- Take the gloves away, riding as though they were still there.
How about crooked riding postures? Glad you've asked!
#4. Crooked Postures
Maintaining a correct horse-riding posture is crucial for effective communication with your horse and aesthetics.
Yet, most people have one side stronger, making it hard for some riders to sit straight when riding a horse.
Riders with a crooked position tend to sit more on one seatbone than the other or collapse one hip.
Even experienced horse riders can fall victim to bad habits. Equine experts Engell and team warn how riders with "asymmetrical posture whether they were riding left or right" incurred several health issues.
So yes, this imbalance can disrupt the center of gravity, making it challenging to maintain a secure seat, essential for delivering accurate cues to the horse.
But how do you fix it? See next...
How To Fix
Tip #1: Adjust your Weight
If you sit more to your right, shorten your right stirrup by about four holes, leaving the other one as it is, pushing your weight over to the left and evening you up.
Ride like this for about five minutes, and then put your stirrup back to its regular length and see if you are sitting straighter.
Tip #2: Straighten up
Looking over your right shoulder for a few strides will also help you to sit more on your left seat bone and vice versa.
If you collapse to the right, stretch your right arm up with your hand facing inward rather than forward, making the stretch more effective in straightening you up.
Combating these imbalances necessitates more than just relying on muscle memory. It combines acknowledging bad posture and striving for a correct riding position.
Integrating core strengthening exercises can be especially beneficial in achieving a stable upper body position.
Additionally, riders can optimize their seat bones' alignment by engaging in exercises focusing on the core muscles and shoulder blades.
Now, let's talk about elbows - but first, watch this video for more posture tips!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmLFKJ9Y0L8&ab_channel=DryCreekWranglerSchool
#5. Stiff Elbows
Your elbows are a vital part of your position as it allows you to have soft contact with your horse's mouth.
Stiff elbows cause a rider's hands to bounce around, making the horse uncomfortable.
As for fixing...
How To Fix
- Hold your hands in front of you with your elbows as the heaviest part of your arm to improve elbow flexibility.
- Let your wrists rise and fall like you are milking a cow, allowing your hands to float up and down alternately.
PRO TIP: Hold the reins between your thumb and first finger like you are holding two frying pans for a more elastic feel.
Next, see the correct riding positions.
Scroll for some common questions, horse-riding gremlins, and easy solutions!
FAQs
- How can I improve my horse riding position?
Having lessons on the lunge with a professional instructor is an excellent way to improve your horse riding position.
- Should I stretch before horse riding?
Yes, stretching before you ride prepares your muscles, helping you move fluidly with your horse and prevent injuries.
- Why is posture important in horse riding?
A good posture helps you maintain balance on a horse and apply the aids correctly, allowing the horse to be balanced and move to the best of its ability.
Conclusion
You can easily correct a bad horse riding position by doing the appropriate exercises in the saddle.
Working on your core strength and flexibility off the horse and stretching before you ride can also help improve your posture and riding.
Daily routines should also emphasize posture-checking, especially for those who spend quality time in the saddle.
Periodic self-assessments in mirrors, or better yet, with the guidance of a seasoned coach, can unearth even minor deviations from the perfect riding position.
And now, it's your turn to shine! Share your thoughts, ask a question, or say hi! I can't wait to hear from you!
Resources
- Williams J, Tabor G. Rider impacts on equitation. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2017;190:28–42.
- Henney E. 12 Most Common Bad Riding Habits . Horse Network. 2015 . Available from: https://horsenetwork.com/2015/05/12-common-bad-riding-habits/
- Engell MT, Byström A, Hernlund E, Bergh A, Clayton H, Roepstorff L, et al. Intersegmental strategies in frontal plane in moderately-skilled riders analyzed in ridden and un-mounted situations. Human Movement Science. 2019;66:511–20.