How to keep your riding safe and balanced?

 

The number one culprit of bad riding is the very simple concept of not being able to remain balanced both physically and emotionally whilst on the horse’s back. Countless times I’ve met people who cannot get their horse to move forwards, and resolve to kicking, shouting, or using props, but when they do move it is usually into a trot with the person bouncing uncontrolled on the horse’s back as if sat on a tractor. Then they wonder why their horse refuses to move forward.

Imagine giving a child a piggy back ride that is mindless to how they react. The child begins to move around and kick excitedly, grabbing you tight by the neck, whilst you try to keep your balance and not let that child fall. To sustain this weight and energy for long would be unbearable and a risk to hurting one’s back. After one piggy back ride, you would refuse to let the child on your back again. If that same child would agree to sit still and stay relaxed then the experience would not be uncomfortable for you and would be able to carry them for longer. This is no different to when a human sits on a horse’s back and demands the horse to move, eventually the horse will refuse to be ridden, just like you would with the child.    

It is important to understand how to use your thighs, knees, lower back, pelvis, and abdomen to carry and shift your weight in a controlled manner. This will prevent you from bouncing on the horse’s back and keep you focused on the riding by feeling what the horse is doing below and, "going with" their energy rather than against it.

 

Two riders in this video are learning how to remain centred and focused, moving with the horse's energy, using only their breathing to direct the horses. The relaxed reins and loose hips keeps them connected with the horse making it seem effortless.