Back ache from riding - anyone got any tips?

[alcraw]

Been riding this morning and yesterday after a week's break, and my lower back is now really aching. This may in part be due to a slightly bouncy canter yesterday, but I just wondered if anyone knew any good exercises to strengthen the lower back muscles?

 

[Theocat]

Your best bet is to do some pilates classes with a decent instructor - a good one will assess exactly what your weak bits are, and adjust the exercises to suit.

I've been going to classes for a little over a year thanks to my own stupid weak back, and it's made a huge difference.

 

[arwenplusone]

If your back is hurting then I think you would benefit from strengthening your core muscles so that your posture is stronger through your centre

Maybe try pilates?

 

[Wagtail]

I always wear a back support for riding. I started doing it only for cross country as I found the forward postion an strong pull from the horse did my back in. Now I always wear one even for schooling. It has completely cured any backache from riding.

 

[unicornleather]

As well as all the above advice, get the saddle checked to see if it is sitting level as if it is down (even slightly) at the front you will be sitting leaning back and that puts pressure on your lower spine which can cause pain. Check to see if it is straight on the horse's back and not lop sided as well.
Oz