Recent content by Rexie

My better half would like to take a riding lesson to see if he likes it. What do male beginners usually wear? Does he need any supportive underwear? Are jogging bottoms ok? Not sure he will be keen on tight trousers!

Same problem and I have no idea what the ads are about as the only thing I'm interested in is where the close icon is :)

Yes bareback is very very uncomfortable in a classical position! I couldn't do it. Horses spine is hard!

Apparently, the horse exercise things really don't mimic the movement of the horse very well but I guess they may help a bit. Loan sounds like the way forward :)

I'm not sure staying on is the only thing riders should be concerned with...

Tiddly, your post summed up my thoughts. I'm still a bit perplexed about why you would use this position all the time. I can see it has its uses but I can also understand like you that it is detrimental in terms of physics and biomechanics of both horse and rider if done at all times. I'd...

To answer your question though there is really no substitute for time riding unfortunately. All the off horses exercises just help you use your body better when you ride but they won't make you a good rider as such.

Pilates is good. There are special exercises for riders. Also maybe try reading books /dvds like Mary wanless etc. Cardiovascular exercise is always good too :)

Thanks for clarifying gunner and aa :)

I guess it also depends on your overall philosophy. I'm sure the chair seat is good for blocking movement and keeps you behind the movement in unpredictable terrain but it must put excessive pressure on the sensitive part of the horses spine? So overall it's a choice between being safe and...

That's interesting adorablealice, so how does it keep a horse calm? I have vague recollections of adopting a chair seat when I felt my pony was about to bolt. I guess it impedes the hind legs and back which prevents any sudden take off?

I wonder also...If horses naturally use their forehand more...then when doing things like xc/hunting, do they prefer to use their forehand? I know dressage is all about the using the hind legs but isn't that to achieve collection and suspension which arguably may not be prerequisites for...

KEC, I agree, there must be exceptions to the rule depending.on context. I guess it's about understanding the subtleties of what you are try to achieve together.

Ecb89, Ben mahers position seems to change...maybe it's related to the horses conformation? I guess every combination of horse and rider find what works for them over a fence and what they both prefer. Maybe some horses like the riders legs out of the way of their shoulder and their neck...

Tiddly, with the lucinda green pic...maybe she is trying not to put too much of her weight towards the horses forehand as the horse is quite slight in the front? Maybe it relates to the horses conformation as well as your own.