Balance and sitting up

[toppedoff]

I've had 4 (2 on Tuesday, 2 today!) falls this week and had 1 the other week. Out of all of em, 2 I couldn't save but the rest could of been. My balance just isn't there I also seem to not sit up enough my spine slowly goes down after a while and I'm not sure how to fix it. I fell off first lot due to not sitting up as he spooked whilst snatching a rein and the others have been from spooks I could've sat. The two I couldn't save was being taken off with and then the other time was due to bronking then dropping a shoulder

How an earth do people learn to go with the horse when they spook or be well balanced? I'm just not. My confidence is wrecked from today and my fall resulted in me not getting back due to hitting me head - this is the first time I've been scared to get back on too. I just want to learn how to be good at balancing, going with the horse and how to be straight in the saddle

 

[bonny]

I've had 4 (2 on Tuesday, 2 today!) falls this week and had 1 the other week. Out of all of em, 2 I couldn't save but the rest could of been. My balance just isn't there I also seem to not sit up enough my spine slowly goes down after a while and I'm not sure how to fix it. I fell off first lot due to not sitting up as he spooked whilst snatching a rein and the others have been from spooks I could've sat. The two I couldn't save was being taken off with and then the other time was due to bronking then dropping a shoulder

How an earth do people learn to go with the horse when they spook or be well balanced? I'm just not. My confidence is wrecked from today and my fall resulted in me not getting back due to hitting me head - this is the first time I've been scared to get back on too. I just want to learn how to be good at balancing, going with the horse and how to be straight in the saddle

It will come from experience and probably not what you want to hear but confidence as well. The more confident you are the more relaxed which is the key to sitting spooks etc.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

It's just practice! Is there a simulator/mechanical horse that you can use to develop the muscles without being in danger of falling off?

 

[toppedoff]

It will come from experience and probably not what you want to hear but confidence as well. The more confident you are the more relaxed which is the key to sitting spooks etc.

Its so sad how I've gone from being confident to then being humbled by these horses, my instructor did say she was given me more difficult (yet safe) horses to ride as that's where you learn the most from which is very true but I've never felt scared like today

 

[Landcruiser]

Pilates would help. It really gets you in touch with your body and particularly your core, which is essential for balance. Also - sticky bum jods

 

[toppedoff]

It's just practice! Is there a simulator/mechanical horse that you can use to develop the muscles without being in danger of falling off?

Only a race simulator, I wish they had one for sitting down on especially now we will be doing sitting canter which is what I can't do

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Only a race simulator, I wish they had one for sitting down on especially now we will be doing sitting canter which is what I can't do

I have always found it easier to sit to canter without stirrups.
Is there any possibility of a lunge lesson?

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

It's just practice! Is there a simulator/mechanical horse that you can use to develop the muscles without being in danger of falling off?

I was thinking the same thing about a simulator

 

[FestiveG]

A balance ball at home? If you practice sitting on it, it might help you to build both your balance and your core.

 

[toppedoff]

Pilates would help. It really gets you in touch with your body and particularly your core, which is essential for balance. Also - sticky bum jods

I definitely want to have a go at pilates, trying to find an equestrian based one at the moment but been reading about that equipliates one too

 

[toppedoff]

A balance ball at home? If you practice sitting on it, it might help you to build both your balance and your core.

Have got one, do you just sit on it with legs off the ground?

 

[toppedoff]

I have always found it easier to sit to canter without stirrups.
Is there any possibility of a lunge lesson?

I might ask. I think I just need a bit of help 1on1 for sure. I'm just slowing everyone down at this rate

 

[Kunoichi73]

I have always found it easier to sit to canter without stirrups.
Is there any possibility of a lunge lesson?

I find this too. The tricky bit are the transitions. Canter is a much smoother pace than trot.

 

[FestiveG]

Have got one, do you just sit on it with legs off the ground?

Build up to that, while watching TV, playing on the phone etc, rather than in a chair

 

[ramsaybailey]

Pilates would help. It really gets you in touch with your body and particularly your core, which is essential for balance. Also - sticky bum jods

100% agree with this!! Pilates/yoga my a game changer for me with security in the saddle. Being in tune with my body made all the difference.

I wouldn't worry about finding an equestrian based one it's all the same principle. The other great thing about it is that it's only a 20 minutes or so and plenty is available on YouTube so easily accessible and easy to stick to!

 

[Arzada]

My balance just isn't there I also seem to not sit up enough my spine slowly goes down after a while and I'm not sure how to fix it.

I find I have to check my position and then correct, as with everything which we want to change and/or improve.

This is connected with core strength but especially strength in the front of your body. Extension exercises are key to strength and awareness to improve your frontline and therefore balance the back and the front of your body. Pilates will be your best friend.

I definitely want to have a go at pilates, trying to find an equestrian based one at the moment but been reading about that equipliates one too

A general Pilates class will be a good start. Try to find a class no larger than 8 people. Start with a mat based one for beginners.

For online classes I thoroughly recommend https://pilateslive.co.uk/ You can select by difficulty level and length of class.

 

[SEL]

Can you ride with a neck strap? My youngster is teleporting sideways at the moment and a finger through the strap is helpful (or a whole hand hanging on as he treated me to his best rodeo...)

 

[Spotherisk]

One of the simplest things to do (if you can remember at the time) is look up. Look to the horizon! It really does keep the weight of your head over your body, not dragging you forwards.

 

[toppedoff]

Can you ride with a neck strap? My youngster is teleporting sideways at the moment and a finger through the strap is helpful (or a whole hand hanging on as he treated me to his best rodeo...)

I did hold my neck strap during no stirrups, I think I'll try to use it more. I'm sick of falling off at the moment

 

[TheresaW]

One of the simplest things to do (if you can remember at the time) is look up. Look to the horizon! It really does keep the weight of your head over your body, not dragging you forwards.

I agree with this! I’ve never been much of a jumper, but in the few lessons I had, the instructor would always give me something in the distance to look at. She said, the head is the heaviest part of your body, and to always keep it upwards.

 

[planete]

Are they going to teach you how to fall? I am afraid that, if you ride race horses for a job, you are going to fall from time to time, no matter how fit and experienced you are. Alternately, Judo classes would teach you that as well. practising falling safely goes a long way to stop you being nervous about it.

 

[toppedoff]

Are they going to teach you how to fall? I am afraid that, if you ride race horses for a job, you are going to fall from time to time, no matter how fit and experienced you are. Alternately, Judo classes would teach you that as well. practising falling safely goes a long way to stop you being nervous about it.

We had one session of falling off and that's it, I want to stop falling off so many times though. 4 falls in one week its bound to happen but its ridiculous I've fallen off this many times now in such little time

 

[Kunoichi73]

Are they going to teach you how to fall? I am afraid that, if you ride race horses for a job, you are going to fall from time to time, no matter how fit and experienced you are. Alternately, Judo classes would teach you that as well. practising falling safely goes a long way to stop you being nervous about it.

I've found my background in martial arts (ninjutsu, BJJ and judo) has really helped with falling off. I tend to go into a roll to stand up most of the time (touch wood!), when I come off - did this today and instructor was very complimentary!

 

[Tiddlypom]

It’s not just you that is falling off though, is it? Others are coming off too. The instructors ought to be right on this and reassessing which horses you all get put on at the least.

 

[toppedoff]

It’s not just you that is falling off though, is it? Others are coming off too. The instructors ought to be right on this and reassessing which horses you all get put on at the least.

Everyone's fallen off either no times or twice I'm just here racking up the numbers I would like an easy horse but I couldn't ride the very easy horse the other day (my instructor said thats the worse ive ever rode!) yet the horse I fell off and didn't get back on today we usually get on like a house on fire despite him snatching the reins or being a bit spooky and usually get him going really well at times. I need to ask about who I could go on next, I seem to have a fall then get put on a new horse to figure out and it usually ends up being difficult or too difficult. Supposedly to help "push through that confidence barrier"

 

[AmyMay]

How much have you actually ridden prior to race school?

 

[planete]

Sorry TO, you have chosen one of the tougher ways, nerve wise, into a riding career. It is going to be tough at times and you will have really cr.p times before you can feel you are up to scratch. Take it one day at a time, stop being so critical of yourself and keep at it, day after day, until you have finally built up the experience. As we used to say: " Do not let the bast.rds grind you down!". You can do this, falls and all.

Ps. Proof read for repetitions, can' t be a.rsed to correct.

 

[toppedoff]

How much have you actually ridden prior to race school?

Pretty much only just happy hacking who knows why I decided racehorses are my thing

 

[Dust Bunny]

Hi there! Happy New Year to all ...belated as I am. I agree with those that recommended pilates and/or yoga. Here's my favourite, perhaps you want to try it out ...

Good luck for the next ride ... things can only get better! As someone else mentioned today, it's practise and confidence building. One of these days it'll click without you even noticing.

 

[Trouper]

Your core is just not strong enough yet. You need to get your abdominal muscles and back muscles much stronger so Pilates is perfect for this. However, don't just follow a video - you do need an instructor to show you how to do the exercises properly or you will just be wasting your time.
Balance is never enough - stronger muscles will help you stay put those few seconds longer and your balance will come with practice.
Another thought - are you riding with very short stirrups? I rode longer in my old age as I knew my muscles were not as good as before and that helped me in many a spook - even on my ex-racer!!