Help with my riding

[Annie&Amy]

I've been having lessons again since may after only hacking out for the last seven years on my own horse (who i lost last year). The riding school i'm going to is really good and the horses are very well schooled. If you are slightly in the wrong position body or hand wise they will show you!!.

I'm having real problems with trotting ie the horses fall in all the time, even though i think i'm sitting right i'm obviously not. Has anyone got any tips as i'm getting despondant!! xxxx

 

[diggerbez]

you are probs tipping to the inside and not using enough inside leg...why not get someone to video you?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

You could try having a lesson on a mechanical horse, some have in-built feedback, a bit like a Wiifit and at the very least you will be able to see yourself in mirrors and the instructor can analyse what you do without worrying about the horse. I did this after I broke my ankle and still have an occasional lesson to correct the faults that develop as I try to 'save' my bad leg.

 

[bugsylugs]

As an instructor I can think of numerous reasons why this might be happening and without seeing you it is diificult to comment. However, your instructor should be able to help identify the problem and rectify it. First through the walk then trot and so on. If you feel you are still getting no-where I agree with the others. Video yourself and see where it's going wrong. If all else fails then I suggest you find another instructor who can help you.

 

[puddleshark]

I have some problems with stiff joints that make me a bit one-sided. Sometimes it's helpful to do some loosening exercises whilst sitting on the horse before you start the lesson. It might be worth asking your instructor.

These are the ones I use. Obviously, get someone to hold the horse!

Take your legs out of the stirrups and let them dangle quietly against the horse's side. Close your eyes and feel whether you have equal weight in both seatbones. Release any tension in your hips, knees and ankles: first, gently circle your ankles, first in one direction, then the other. Second, swing your legs back and forwards from the hip. Third, grab hold of your jods by the seam and pull your thigh out from the saddle.