Gaining better balance?

Ambers Echo

Ambers Echo

Still wittering on
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13 October 2017
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OMG my riding is so frustrating at the moment! Amber is not making life very easy: she's in a very, very, very forward mood. And is not rhythmical at all and I am finding that I am ahead or behind the movement all the time as she bowls forward or slows, landing heavily in rising trot, balancing on my hands, ending up water-skiing with legs forward in chair seat and basically riding like a novice.

Had a '45 minute' dressage lesson last night that lasted 1hr 15 as we were trying to 'end on a good note' but couldn't find one!! We gave up when it got dark deciding that our 'good note; would just have to be a nice stretch in free walk..... Any ideas? Not schooling ones - my RI gave me plenty of those - but for me? I am already doing stirrupless work regularly and we have dressage mirrors I use to check my position regularly. When she is smooth and easy I feel my balance is ok but as soon as she is a bit more wayward it goes out the window so not sure lessons on a schoolmaster would help either???
 
I am a lost cause!! Chronic back, hip problems on the right hand side from too many years ultra running. But I hope I can improve despite my physical limitations. I do pilates to help.
 
Are you trying to ride with your stirrups too long? many people put them down to ride on the flat and go too far so end up unbalanced, I prefer to see them a little shorter so the rider is effective, having the correct saddle can make a huge difference, flatwork in a jump saddle that draws the knee forward can make getting a secure position harder if you are not really well established.
I cannot remember seeing any videos of you on the flat but have thought you did not look to be really secure in the saddle in some jumping ones so if you are doing dressage in the same one it may be the cause of some of the instability, more expense!!!
 
Ambers Echo said:
I am a lost cause!! Chronic back, hip problems on the right hand side from too many years ultra running. But I hope I can improve despite my physical limitations. I do pilates to help.
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I found physio extremely helpful. I actually went to a physio who was a rider because of a trapped nerve in my neck/shoulder following a fall onto the road from a 16.3.
After that I had some (different) physio sessions on a mechanical horse. I can send you the name of the physio who does this in E.Lancs if that would help.
 
The 2 things I found really helped me find my own balance and seat were lunge and mechanical horse lessons - both need to be with an instructor who has a real interest in biomechanics. The mechanical horse ones really were superb, I had quite a lot of them.

From what I have seen, you haven’t grasped how to ride from an independent seat yet, so that would be my focus. It might help to also have someone school Amber a bit for you in addition
 
I am in a jump saddle but I do think the problem is 99% me even if the saddle is not that helpful. As others have said, I am not that balanced jumping either! I totally agree I need an independent seat!! But am really struggling with it. I have had a lesson on a mechanical horse and found it totally unhelpful. Whether it was the instructor I don't know but she basically just said 'yet that's fine' and that was that. Maybe she is used to using it to teach beginners? I have also had a few lessons with a biomechanical instructor and again did not find it helpful. I think I was pretty terrible as we never made it out of walk and I am sure what she said was useful but I could not replicate it at home. She was making tiny micro adjustments all the time but I never felt when it was right/wrong and so although at the time I tried very hard I realised afterwards that I had no way of practicing or evaluating my practice.

My kids both have such a lovely seat! Where did they get it from??!
 
The above suggesting are all relevant and I have another one for you. Just keep going, OK so set a timescale and discuss with instructor but sometimes we just have to keep working and keep riding to get through to the next level. tt can be ungainly and uncomfortable in the interim but its usually how we improve. This is me personalising things as I tend to change everything, and looking back I would have done better to dig in and get on with it.
 
Try a different biomechanics instructor - they're not all alike, some are complete wallies, some are terrific. I've had some really useful biomechanics lessons, and I've witnessed some appalling ones. I've also ridden with a biomechanics person who recomends shorter stirrups and a more jumping cut saddle (or, rather, not totally dressage, blocky, restrictive) for schooling for the reason bp mentioned - stirrups too long = lack of balance. I read another trainer's blog about that recently too, I've tagged you in it on facebook in case you're interested (and sorry for the random tag!).

I think years of riding bareback, hacking over vary terrain at speed, polocrosse etc has developed what little (very little) natural balance I had. I certainly feel like a stronger rider for the time I've spent doing them, particularly lately as all I do is hack on a day to day basis. I also agree to an extent with the PP above as more time in the saddle (some kind of saddle!) is definitely the way forward.
 
I was going to say pilates but see you already do that. ;) I think the most effective and balanced riders have a rock solid core.

For balance I'd say go way back to doing the classic beginner exercises - trotting with your hands on your head, doing loads of half-seat stuff (two beats up, two beats down is a good one) etc. What saddle do you have? That makes a huge difference.
 
Perhaps you should try working on your core at a gym or doing home workouts. Yoga would be a good place to start. You cannot expect to get good work from a horse if you aren’t riding fit yourself.

Maybe that’s the reason your attempts at competing have been up and down. Amber is compensating for you. Get your core and balance sorted and go back to basics instead of trying to get up the levels fast. Basics have to be solid. She’s maybe rushing/playing up as your lack of balance is unsettling her.
 
Black Beastie said:
She’s maybe rushing/playing up as your lack of balance is unsettling her.
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Whilst BB's post is more... direct... than I would be, because I've not seen enough of you riding to comment on it, and all that... I'm picking up on this comment because I had a revelation recently. As I've whined about mercilessly since, I recently sprained my ankle jumping off a pony (idiot). A couple of days later, I, being an idiot, and having no regard for my own personal comfort, tried to jump my young, fairly green (to jump) mare in our hilly field. Because my ankle was wrecked, maintaining two point was incredibly unpleasant, and my entire stability in the saddle was affected. No matter, I thought - no pain, no gain. Within a couple of jumps, my poor mare was scooting off on the landing side of simple fences, trying to rush towards them, and scooting off down our mini-leaf pit. I attempted something sensible and then gave up in a rare non-idiotic moment. She was also quite unsettled to hack for a few weeks after this. As soon as my ankle was noticably better, and therefore my balance improved, she was almost instantly back to her usual sensible self.

During the same period, I also jumped my idiotic pony, with the same level of instability and reticence to remain in two point any longer than necessary. He gave literally zero... er... flips?... and carried on regardless...

Amber's a sensitive horse. Her behaviour may well relate to your lack of stability, and the fact that other people get away with a lack of stability may be a reflection on the nature of their mounts rather than you personally as a rider.
 
Do you hack? Maybe take the pressure off yourself and relax and enjoy your horse - you'll be using all you've learned without realising it 😊
 
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Thanks everyone. Loads of really helpful suggestions. JFTD-WS I don't know whose comment you are referencing (??) but I totally agree that Amber is sensitive and does not react well to me bouncing around on her!

There was a large black cat walking slowly along the top of a fence one field across from the dressage field which was not helping matters to say the least :eek:

I am definitely improving so that is something at least but I am just frustrated at what seems to be such slow progress when it comes to flat-work.
 
Tbh, when I’ve watched the videos of you going XC on Amber it has been heart-in-mouth time because you are not secure in your seat. You’ve got away with winging it up to now, but that is down to luck and a genuine horse.

I’d be pulling out of competing and concentrating on getting the basics right first. Or you could have a very nasty fall.
 
Wow, some people really have a way with words don't they?

A few people ready to stick the knife in when someone is asking for help. AE knows improvements are needed, hence the thread, there is no need for harsh or abrupt comments.

AE I would say try another biomechanics trainer - enlightened equitatuon, ride with your mind, connected riding or something along those lines might be a good starting point. Lunge lessons if you can find someone local and good are also beneficial. Increasing fitness, strength and overall body awareness via gym, pilates, yoga etc should help too. But, these things take time - it's taken me a year and a half of all if the above to get myself (relatively) straight and it's not just about going through the motions, my PT is on me like a tonne of bricks if I miss a session and notices every little posture error but that is the only way to learn body awareness.

Same with riding, there is no harm going to more than one person as long as they are not giving you too opposing views.

I think its inspiring that you have noted your issues and are working towards fixing them
 
BP has mentioned it above but pulling your stirrups up can really help. I borrowed a very flighty sensitive little mare for a clinic when mine was off and my riding was shocking for the first 20 mins. Horse shot from under me twice & i nearly came off. Luckily I knew the instructor and she told me to ride shorter for that horse than I do on my own.

Up 2 holes - i felt like a jockey - but it made a huge difference.

I'm usually told these days that I have good natural balance. It isn't natural - it comes from many years of riding horses across all terrain in a loose contact when I used to do long distance overseas rides. If Amber will let you then riding without reins is v good for learning balance!!
 
Not offended - though I do wonder if the videos you have seen were a while ago? Over winter I felt out of balance jumping (in lessons not in competition) but I have felt in much better balance recently when jumping. With the notable exception of Somerford XC! But that was more a control issue I think. I've now competed 13 times and been to multiple XC schooling events and never felt near to being unseated XC with the exception of the large hanging log onto the steep bank at Somerford.

I agree Amber is super genuine and gets me out of trouble though as I don't always ride the best lines or look ahead enough.

I am focusing heavily on dressage and know there need to be many improvements there. I guess it just takes time. But thanks for taking the time to comment and thanks everyone for the advice/encouragement.
 
Tiddlypom said:
My comments were not meant to be harsh, just direct, as AE has asked for advice. I am used to straight speaking instructors who do not pull their punches. In the past I have been told to stop competing for a while until certain issues were sorted.

I apologise if I caused offence.
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I think that is a fine thing for somebodys instructor to say to them but saying it to someone on an open forum not so much.
 
Wheels said:
I think that is a fine thing for somebodys instructor to say to them but saying it to someone on an open forum not so much.
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I’m blunt in RL as usually sugar coating things doesn’t get the message across. Balance issues on a horse means your core, your seat and core should be controlling the pace not your arms so if these are lacking strength then you aren’t going to succeed if a horse is running through your hands.

Nobody has been personally insulting or nasty as far as I can see.
 
I've found shortening my stirrups a big help too.
For the rising trot I find it helps to just rise forward and back by using your thighs rather than your stirrups. If you can imagine you are kneeling to rise and gently lower yourself back down (like your hips are a hinge). It's hard to describe but think of peeling your bum forward and back in the saddle. That stops me from rising too high.
You could also try rising trot without stirrups, that way you can't use your feet. Also, make sure that your thighs stay on the saddle as you move. If they lift off it you can get a bit loose in the saddle.

Another thing I've found good is rising trot with long, loose reins or none at all. It lets you feel how more core strength you need to use to rise. If I find it more of an effort without the reins, I've found it a sign that the reins are helping me balance.

The saddle does make a big difference too. I have a spare saddle that is much more forward cut than my gp. I have a much more balanced light seat in it. I also tried another saddle and when I cantered my legs started flying around the place. I'm not naturally balanced (at all) and it's something that I need to constantly work on:rolleyes:
 
Speaking from experience, some jump saddles are designed for purely jumping in and are really difficult to ride at a longer length - they throw your balance way out.

I had a monoflap jumping saddle a few years ago which was awesome for jumping in, when riding short, but really uncomfortable to even hack in; unless my stirrups were at xc length
I couldn't school in it at all.
 
Get yourself a good massage ASAP!

I was having similar issues and got a hot stone massage and my riding has improved so much since!!

Also try some no stirrup work, that always seems to sort my wobbly legs out and then when you are comfortable with no stirrups close your eyes and really feel the horse under you and try to stay with it.
 
Ambers Echo said:
I am in a jump saddle but I do think the problem is 99% me even if the saddle is not that helpful. As others have said, I am not that balanced jumping either! I totally agree I need an independent seat!! But am really struggling with it. I have had a lesson on a mechanical horse and found it totally unhelpful. Whether it was the instructor I don't know but she basically just said 'yet that's fine' and that was that. Maybe she is used to using it to teach beginners? I have also had a few lessons with a biomechanical instructor and again did not find it helpful. I think I was pretty terrible as we never made it out of walk and I am sure what she said was useful but I could not replicate it at home. She was making tiny micro adjustments all the time but I never felt when it was right/wrong and so although at the time I tried very hard I realised afterwards that I had no way of practicing or evaluating my practice.

My kids both have such a lovely seat! Where did they get it from??!
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Honestly have lunge lessons, try and do them for a while instead of your normal flatwork lessons and don’t expect it to come straight away just keep with them, take your reins and stirrups away and work on your core/ seat and balance to develop the independent seat and hands you need! Even 15 mins at a time you will notice what a difference it makes and really brings to light where the issues are.
Also riding bareback helps me a lot as if i don't balance well i will fall off ;)
A few people have mentioned the saddle this is so so true, i work in a riding school and i find it frustrating sometimes to teach in saddles that make it nearly impossible to sit in the right place, i swear some saddles just need to be scrapped and burnt! A well fitted saddle with correctly positioned stirrup bars will make a huge difference to you! Best of luck xx
 
Loads of great suggestions, physio, pliates, lunge lessons, the right saddle are all brilliant, as is riding bareback. Another useful thing you can do for balance is get yourself a giant gym ball to use at home, there are millions of great exercises you can do with them, but a really simple thing you can do is just to sit on it, and practise taking your feet of the floor, one at a time to start with, then both. If you can just sit and watch telly on the gym ball with your feet off the floor thats brilliant for balance.
 
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