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Terri Haynie (Terrilyn)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2002 - 10:33 am: |   |
I am 40 and have been riding for the last 4-5 years, mostly on the weekends, usually on trails. I had lessons many years ago. I now ride about once a week, some ring work, but usually just out hacking. My problem is, I don't feel as if I've ever developed an independent seat. I am just shy of 6 ft. tall and have always been a little gawky--not the most graceful person!!  My horse's canter is lovely and her trot's not bad, but I'm just bouncy and awkward!! I don't have that sense of FEEL that I hear others describe.
I can't do lessons right now--but have a great desire to improve my riding for my and my horse's enjoyment. Yes, I know that riding more often is the first step. But has anyone else had this feeling of just not being balanced? Of being off-centered and ungainly in the saddle? How did you solve it? What books can you recommend?
Broad question, I know, but I need a direction to go in..... |
Melissa Webster (Mwebster)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2002 - 11:03 am: | |
You already know the answer I think! There's no substitute for riding more. It can be tough to make time, but once you establish a routine, you and your horse will both benefit. Go in the morning before work, start your day that way, when you're fresh and relaxed. You'll acquire more feel, you and your horse will understand each other better, you'll both be fitter and happier. Go out on hacks and close your eyes and feel his motion at the walk, trot, and canter. Consciously relax those parts of you where you discover there is tension. Think about sitting up straight, with your shoulders back and your arms relaxed. If he's quiet, take him out bareback for long walks. Try to ride 5x/week, even if the rides are sometimes short (and dress warmly for cold weather so it's still enjoyable when it's 18 degrees!) If you ride daily, not only will your riding improve tremendously but you'll also put any lessons you take (and any reading you do) to much better use. |
Lisa Brand (Trouble)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2002 - 4:56 pm: | |
Terri,
Your post sounds very familiar to me.
After 16 years of not owning or riding at all, I recently purchased another quarter horse.
I, too, am close to 6 feet tall and long legged. I use to show western and learned English in college when I rode on the Equestrian team.
I have realized that I am lacking the leg strength I used to have when I rode daily. This usually makes you tense up which can cause you to be bouncy in the saddle. Also, when I would ride in an English saddle, I would drop my stirrups and ride as much as I could without them (you can do this in a western saddle too). Scarry, yes, but it helps you develop your seat and legs more, which will help you feel more balanced.
You may also be putting more weight in one stirrup. I am stronger on my right side, therefore, I can easily throw myself off balance by putting too much weight in one stirrup.
I am not an expert by any means, but maybe this post will help you in some way.
Lisa |
Linda Antipala (Alika)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2002 - 8:28 pm: | |
Terri, as another mature gal who is riding after many, many years away, I also consider myself off balance and floppy. Here's what has helped me - agree so much with Lisa that riding with feet out of stirrups is a big, big help. My mare has a bouncy trot, so I just grab the horn and try to focus on relaxing and dropping my seat down, down for balance. Some where I read to think of yourself as one of those weighted egg shaped wooden dolls that will spin but not tip over. If your horse is really calm in the arena, try wrapping your reins around the horn and riding with your eyes closed. Only do this with a really trusty horse and your teacher or a good friend right there. This was an exercise one of my private lesson teachers made me try. With eyes shut, you can really feel horse moving and just concentrate on relaxing and going with him. Safety first at all times, of course. Another helpful device is to have someone video tape you. I was surprised to see on tape how uneven my legs looked, definitely slanted to one side, probably what Lisa refered to about more weight in one stirrup. And I do try to ride at least five times a week, even more if I can. Often it's only for a half hour or so before the sun sets. But, to be sure, somedays I feel more balanced than others in spite of everything. And some days my mare is Miss Cooperation and other days she is Missy Can't Be Bothered. All part of coming back to horses later in life. And so thankful to have the opportunity. Just keep trying Terri and let us know how it goes! |
Holly Edwards (Hwood)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2002 - 11:48 pm: | |
Terri, All of the above have given great advice, especially about riding without stirrups. Do you have a friend or child or anyone who can put you on a longe line so you can ride bareback and without reins? One of the exercises I do with my students is to have them drop their stirrups and hold their arms out to the sides, make sure their weight is down through their back and their center and into their seat (not crotch) and balance at the walk, both directions, even on the turns, and then progress to the jog or trot. It is also a great exercise to do posting trot with and without stirrups, with your eyes ahead and arms out or relaxed in front of you as if holding reins. If someone else is holding the longe line, you don't have to worry about the steering aspect; you can concentrate solely on the balancing. Another great exercise is to walk and trot in a standing (elevated two point) position. When sitting on the horse, tell your hips to open and relax and your shoulders to stay up and back so your weight can be solidly down through your seat and into the horse. I tell my students to "disconnect at the waist." In other words, don't allow the horse to flop your upper body forward and back, but allow your lower body to move with the horse. Allow the horse to move you; just go with the motion. I really think the longe will help; with or without the saddle.
Have fun with your horse.
Holly |
Terri Haynie (Terrilyn)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Feb 6, 2002 - 8:39 am: | |
You guys are great! ALL of your posts are helpful. It seems the one thing I retained from those long ago lessons was the fact that my heels needed to be DOWN. As if that were the magic answer, the key to balance. I end up concentrating on just my lower leg and feet and all else goes out the window. Lisa, you are very correct about more stength on one side. I am stronger on the left and can feel that. Ah, to be graceful on a horse. I think all of your suggestions are going to help me accomplish that! |
Kim Fotter (Fpony)
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 10, 2002 - 7:34 am: | |
Terri,
I too started riding again after 15 years away from horses. For the first two years I kept striving for heels down as i could do that before when i was young. Then I started riding without my strirups and then bareback-wow I got a my seat back and magically I got ankles that I could use anyway i commanded them! I think the pelvis is the center and until it is flexible, strong and independent everything else is on hold.
As and added bonus riding without strirrups and bareback will give you very strong stomach muscles!
Kim |
SB (Skeller)
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 10, 2002 - 8:00 pm: | |
Hey it looks like there are quite a few of us near 40 and started riding again. I bought my first horse at age 39 (after 18 years of not riding)and now at 41 I am fighting with my kids for time on my horse. In addition to the things mentioned above, I really liked the book "Centered Riding" by Sally Swift. The mental visualizations really helped to get me get more stable. While the illustrations are huntseat, I think this could be applicable to anyone. I ride SaddleSeat but we are currently cross training my mare in Western. "Let's Ride" by Linda Tellington Jones also has some fun exercises to do. FYI, I'm working on talking my husband into that second horse so I get more turns to ride! |
Melissa Kolb (Mmkolb)
| | Posted on Saturday, Mar 9, 2002 - 10:30 pm: | |
Well, there really ARE a lot of us out there!
I got my first horse at age 40, after many years of not riding. Though I had my first lessons starting at age 5, I found that I just did not have all the knowledge and skills I know I should have had. My first horse was a 20 year old arab mare, and we did well together (she was too old to care about demanding much in the way of excellence from me!) Then Last June I bought a 7 year old arab mare with plans to do distance riding. Boy have I learned a lot since then! This mare is much more likely to take advantage of me for not knowing what I should- so I have had to learn, and I am really enjoying it.
As far as developing a good seat goes, I have been through many books and one instructor- and I still have a long way to go (miles in the saddle is what I need most now). I would recommend Sally Swift's book mentioned in an earlier posting, and also a book by Mary Wanless called "For the Good of the Rider". She has exercises and visualizations that have really helped me. Good luck, and ENJOY! |
louise king (Weezie)
| | Posted on Sunday, Jun 16, 2002 - 10:13 pm: | |
hi all, yes i am in the same boat trying to regain my seat. i am trying to start back riding bareback now for my balance but need some good input on bareback riding. it would be greatly appreciated. thanks
weezie |
KATHRYN MALONE
New Member
Username: 5oak
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 20, 2003 - 1:26 pm: | |
I have gathered some very useful information for myself. I am 46 and have my first horse. I have been reading everything I can. My main problem is balance and bounce. I want to learn all I can.
I was recently told I have lupus and that this would be good for me and I have loved horses all my life. I am anxious to try some of the suggestions. Thanks,
|
Ann Cohrs
Member
Username: Apcohrs
Post Number: 54
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 21, 2003 - 10:55 am: | |
Lunge line lessons. |
Lori Doyle
New Member
Username: Lorid
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 19, 2006 - 3:52 pm: | |
I bet I take the cake on this one. At 48 (49 in March), I bought my first horse! I started riding just under two years ago and have proudly owned my horse for 14 months. Talk about a rude awakening! LOL! I NEVER thought it was so hard to ride a horse. But I love it (I always have but I had parents that simply would not do it for me)so now I have done it for myself and my three daughters. I am hopelessly addicted. I am having trouble getting my seat and my trainer wants me to ride bareback on a longe line. I'm a little nervous cause I don't know what my horse will do. No one (since I have had him) has ever ridden him bareback. He gets kinda spooky around doorways and with noises (we ride in an indoor ring in the winter)so I'm a little apprehensive about doing this. I admit to being a little nervous cause if I fall off and get hurt I won't be able to work, etc. This could be why he is spooky too, I know. I notice that I depend too much on my reins for balance and I know this is so bad for him! I don't want to be pulling on his mouth all the time. I guess this is one way to remedy my doing that! |
Lori Doyle
New Member
Username: Lorid
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 19, 2006 - 4:00 pm: | |
Hi Kathryn! Boy can I identify with you! I am SO new at this too. What breed of horse do you have? How old is he/she? What type of discipline/training or source for learning, if any, are you undergoing?
I have an 11 year old Morgan. He is such a good boy. Now that I am gaining some confidence, I want to take him on a trail ride (I am currently training saddle seat, but started western, went to hunt seat, and now saddle seat). I think this will help him settle down to take his mind off going round and round the ring and drilling. Plus, I don't think I ride enough (only twice weekly) because we run him in the bitting harness, dumb jockey, and drive him on alternate days. He's a busy little Morgan but he does it all! LOL!
Sounds like we have a lot in common! |
Skeller
Member
Username: Skeller
Post Number: 67
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 19, 2006 - 8:46 pm: | |
Hi Lori, You beat me by 9 years, I was 39 when I purchased my mid life crisis - Emmy. It's wonderful and you can always justify it by telling yourself its something you can do with your kids, even teenagers. I've now graduated to 2 horses and the kids (thank goodness) can tack up with no help (in fact my oldest is teaching me to drive the horse) and best yet clean stalls.
However DO NOT let ANYONE push you into doing something you don't feel ready for. It's one thing if your instructor mounts you on a safe horse that you aren't used to and perhaps have butterflies, trust the instructor. But bareback lounge lessons on a horse that's not used to it is not smart. I only give lunge lessons on horses that have been worked towards that goal. Too many people lunge their horses in a manner that equals play time. So adding a rider to that scenario is not good.
I'm sure you're avidly reading up on everything. (those of us that have waited a long time to own our horses do!). I ride saddleseat, the books and CDs from Julie Goodnight (her stuff can be applied to all seats but she seems to have roots in western and hunt seat) have really helped me find my seat again (and the nerve I lost 20 years ago). In fact, I think my position is now better. Her website has some good tips for nervous riders. I finally made it into the show ring last year (after 20 years) and had a wonderful time. It's www.juliegoodnight.com. I also like Centered Riding by Sally Swift. Most of all watch other riders.
It generally takes a while for an older rider to get balanced and steady. Doing a lot of visualization (imagine yourself riding like you want to ride). and visualizing your center of balance being low in your stomach does help. Lunge lessons are great for this but only if you're on seasoned lunge lesson horse. You can also do lunge lessons with a saddle. That works well for making you not depend on your reins for balance.
Good luck. Glad to see you're having a great time. And above all wear a helmet!
Sandi |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 358
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 20, 2006 - 8:18 am: | |
Use a neck strap if you ride a horse bareback on a lunge.
Also, if you have one of those big exercise balls, see if you can sit on it, no feet on the floor. Work on balancing on that...good for your stomach muscles, and you can also rock back and forth, side to side, to loosen up your pelvic area. And it's fun!!! |
Fran C
Member
Username: Canter
Post Number: 409
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 20, 2006 - 8:43 am: | |
I'm going to second what Skeller said...lunge first in the saddle before you move on to bareback (if you even feel it's neccessary to do it bareback). If you are nervous, you won't be able to relax sufficiently to sink deeply into the horses back and keep your legs long and loose, so it will be very difficult to ride and the horse won't appreciate it either. I too am an older rider and getting my seat & balance correct has been a huge challenge. I've benefited greatly from lunge line lessons (with a saddle). You can always put a bucking strap on the front of the saddle to grab onto if you loose balance or just grab the pommel.
Don't let anyone push you too hard. True, there is a lot to be gained by stepping slightly out of your comfort zone, but please be careful. You don't want to get hurt nor do you want an accident to ruin the joy you've found in your riding. |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1075
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 20, 2006 - 10:22 am: | |
In addition to the great advice you've received, try riding on the lunge in the saddle...but with your eyes closed. I was amazed how much more I felt with my eyes closed, just about as good as riding bareback |
Zoe English
Member
Username: Nonie
Post Number: 208
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 2:08 pm: | |
My first suggestion is start looking around for another trainer. Anyone who would suggest a new rider ride a green horse bareback on the lunge needs her head examined.
Some horses take well to the lunge, others do not. Lunge lessons on a schoolmaster with someone who is experienced in giving them can be invaluable aid to strengthening your seat and position--find a stable nearby if you can that offers such lessons by someone qualified to give them. I did so for two years and will never regret the time or money spent. The kind of exercises that are most beneficial to you will involve actions that could easily spook an untrained horse--scissor kicking your legs, windmilling your arms, round the world, to name just a few examples. The horse, too, should be able to maintain a steady rhythm in all three gaits and be lunged in properly adjusted side reins and your saddle should be equipped with a bucking strap for safety's sake.
Riding bareback will certainly teach you connection with the horse and good balance, but I would recommend it only for children who are flexible and bounce, or on an old companion horse you feel very comfortable and safe with. I rode my pony bareback as a child exclusively for four years. I probably hit the ground running a thousand times. Now, forty years later, I will ride my mare bareback in the ring on odd occasions, but I see no real purpose in risking life and limb unnecessarily.
Another thing you might consider if you are concerned (rightly and compassionately, I think) about balancing on and pulling on your horse's mouth is the Bitless Bridle, designed by Dr. Cook (www.bitlessbridle.com). Most horses take well to it, and it solves the problem of uneducated hands punishing them in the mouth. I ride my mare almost exclusively in mine, and even my (high-end!) dressage instructor approves.
Good luck. This is one of the nicest addictions you can develop.
Zoe |
Lori Doyle
Member
Username: Lorid
Post Number: 15
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 10:57 pm: | |
Thank all of you for your great suggestions and your concern for me. I am very apprehensive about all of this also. My trainers (two men) are old school. Unfortunately, in my area there are not a lot of trainers who train saddleseat. It's mostly hunt seat or western. Lessons are EXTREMELY expensive, like everything in this state (CT). This is one of the primary reasons I joined this site, so I can get all of my options on the table and then make an educated decision. And for that, my friends, I am thankful!
Fran, I will look into that bit. It sounds like a great alternative to pulling on his mouth. Thanks again!
Lori |
ilona armoni
Member
Username: Ilona
Post Number: 18
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 26, 2006 - 5:19 pm: | |
Zoe, thanx for the website...I'm going to order the bridle and try it...it looks like a wonderful alternative to the traditional options. Ilona |
Erika LIPTON
Member
Username: Erika
Post Number: 96
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 26, 2006 - 6:30 pm: | |
By the way, I second the bitless bridle. Great stuff if you are at all unsure of your hands. My horses all love it, but I don't use it all the time. Some shows won't let you show without a bit, you know. One mare I have is so much calmer with the bitless. You can also find them on ebay, but they aren't a whole lot cheaper than the original, and you don't get to return it if it doesn't work out.
I think you guys are very brave for taking up riding as adults. I tried that with skiing and concluded that I could never do that without starting out as a five year old! |
Suzanne Reed
Member
Username: Sureed
Post Number: 10
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 26, 2006 - 8:47 pm: | |
I am passing on a few recommendations on how to develop a good seat that have been shared with me (started back to riding at age 55 after twenty years off):
1. Make sure you have a good saddle that is sitting you in the correct position for your discipline. Things have changed. What worked for you 20 years ago, might not work for you today. If you can't buy new, by used. My trainer made me stop riding in my old Crosby (Forward Seat)and buy a used Antares that helped me set and hold my leg position much better and sit me in the right place on the horse's back. I feel so much more secure now.
2. Make sure you are starting out in the right position, and that your body is properly aligned from head to toe. Practice maintaining at the walk (going with the motion) and then at each successive gait. I agree that lunge line lessons (on the proper horse with the proper supervision and preparation) are invaluable for this.
3. Make sure you are not gripping too hard with the wrong parts of your body. Toes out will put your calves on the horse and pull your knees and thighs away. Some people try to hold on with only their knees, which can then become the fulcrum for your body and allow you to topple forward. Make sure your weight is down to your heels. Heels down has the effect of stretching your leg out next to the horse's body like a rubber band, making more of the surface of your leg available for balance and giving the horse leg cues.
Good Luck everyone! Enjoy the journey!
Suzanne |
Terri
Member
Username: Terrilyn
Post Number: 331
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 27, 2006 - 10:56 am: | |
To add to the book recommendations list...I LOVE Wendy Murdoch's book Simplify Your Riding. It is dedicated to Sally Swift and furthers those principles. (http://murdochmethod.com/) The book is available on Wendy's website, but is available for less on Amazon. I think what makes Sally Swift's Centered Riding such a classic was the ease with which she enabled us to visualize the riding process and the way our bodies work in tandem with the horse's. Wendy's book takes those concepts even further, and her use of photography to show good and bad examples is excellent. She includes pictures of the human skeleton in riding position, so for example, it is easy to understand exactly where your seat bones should be. This book spans all riding disciplines and covers in great detail the points made by Suzanne above along with the how and the why.
Skeller's point that those of us entering riding in our 30s/40s and later read all we can get our hands on is so true. Murdoch's book is well worth adding to your reading list. If I sound like a book reviewer, I apologize....but I think it's that helpful. |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 364
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 27, 2006 - 4:17 pm: | |
I've suggested to DrO we put up a section on equine books for all of us who read with the same passion we ride. I'd like to second Terri's suggestion for Simplify Your Riding...great book.
Another helpful thing for us older riders is there is a great poster of stretches & exercises that you can put in your barn. Keeping flexible, which I am not, helps with your balance, and keeps you a little more comfortable too. Darn but those aches and pains seem to stick around longer with every year!!
If anyone has a link to the poster for the barn, post it here for all to see: I don't have it myself. |
Heidi Boggini
Member
Username: Hboggini
Post Number: 9
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 27, 2006 - 8:16 pm: | |
I to loved Wendy Murdochs book, Simplify your riding. If you ever get a chance to do a clinic with her I highly recommend it. She gives a lot of good insight on where your body is in space when riding. I am a pilates instructor and have found that this has helped my riding tremendously. Not only teaching anatomically where you should be but the strengthening in your core(stomach muscles) has done wonders for riders. If you can find a good instructor in your area you should look into it. I live in ct and teach in 2 different studios.
Good Luck
Heidi |
Lori Doyle
Member
Username: Lorid
Post Number: 16
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 27, 2006 - 8:47 pm: | |
Hi Heidi. Thanks for the info. Every bit helps! I also live in CT. Where are you located?
Lori |
Skeller
Member
Username: Skeller
Post Number: 69
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 27, 2006 - 10:09 pm: | |
Thanks so much for the book review Terri! I'm excited, a new horsebook to read! It sounds great.
Also, what Suzanne says is so TRUE about a saddle (for any seat). Make sure it fits you. I splurged and bought a Shively MMX that has the sticky leather and adjustable stirrup bars. (I could justify it because one saddle could be used for 3 people, me + 2 kids). It has made a tremendous difference in my seat. And having the sticky leather really makes me more secure. If you can't splurge on a new saddle right now, wear pants with leather patches or work chaps. (or better yet the full seat leather jods or breeches).
Angie I like your suggestion about a book section (and the stretches!). And riding an exercise ball is really fun. I just wish I had the nerve to bring it into work and use it as a desk chair.
Sorry for the disjointed post. I finally got the computer away from my kids, but I'm freezing after being at the barn tonight.
Sandi
Sandi |
Heidi Boggini
Member
Username: Hboggini
Post Number: 10
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2006 - 7:24 am: | |
Hi Lori
I teach at a studio in south windsor called Evolution pilates the web site is www.evolutionpilates.com Also at a studio in Hartford called Phit pilates.
Heidi |
Terri
Member
Username: Terrilyn
Post Number: 332
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2006 - 8:32 am: | |
Heidi, thanks for the info regarding the Murdoch clinics. She is located in Virginia and conducts clinics at Morven Park in Leesburg, about 2.5 hours from me. I will make the time to go to the next one. Good to know! |
Ella
Member
Username: Miamoo
Post Number: 166
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2006 - 10:34 am: | |
As far as saddles go don't underestimate the Wintec 2000 for insecure riders. The synthetic suade grabs and holds on. It is really difficult to fall out of it. When I first rode my 3 year old last year I used this saddle and a full seat britch. I felt like velcro woman - this was a good thing!
When I was younger I showed hunters and jumpers in a close contact Barnsby. I could not even think of doing that now. The Wintec helps me feel nice and secure.
Ella |
