Exercises for the Rider

[hotdog]

I was wondering whether anyone has any exercises I could try when I'm riding to help me improve my riding such as things that could help with sitting stiller, keeping hands from moving, becoming more flexible - that kind of thing

 

[stencilface]

Riding without strirrups or reins when on the lunge might help. Then you can find your balance and seat without affecting anything the horse is doing by knocking it in the teeth, and can pretend where your hands would be if you did have reins

I think flexibilty has to come from the ground first. So if you are not feeling flexible in the saddle then some basic yoga moves or similar could help you - should be able to google those. Sun salutation with some other side bending movements (those that you might do for a gymnastics warm-up) should have you supple in no time

 

[CastleMouse]

If you have heavy hands then keep a firm contact on the outside rein and stroke your inside hand up and down your horses neck (you can do this in all paces). It'll help your horse to soften and it'll also relax you.
If you have problems with your lower leg slipping forward then lean down and pat your horse's shoulder with your inside hand whilst keeping a firm contact on the outside rein. Also pat the outside shoulder with your inside hand. Again, you can do this in all paces.

 

[hotdog]

I'll give the patting a try, I find I'm very one side though and can give a firm contact when my right hand is on the outside but really struggle when my left hand is on the outside

 

[viola]

I would try some off the horse exercises. Have a look into:
http://www.equilates.com/ or similar - quite a few people I teach have good results with those exercises