How to make a DIY wodden practice horse

[Scuderia]

So, I can only ride once a week partially because it's hard to fit in more lessons whilst working full time and partially because lessons in London are ruddy expensive! I don't have a horse or know horsey people and I find that it's taking a really long time to learn some of the skills that make you a better rider, especially balance. Because I'm not very well balanced I find that I do things like squeezing with my legs/knees when going into canter and generally don't carry myself very well.

My solution to this is to create some sort of wooden "horse" so I can work on my balance every evening as well as doing stretches etc. I'm thinking of creating something like the wooden benches that you clean saddles on and getting a dirt cheap second hand saddle and stirrups off eBay. Do you think this is worth while?

I'd ideally go even further and build some sort of rocking motion/instability into it and possibly even put a motor in there if I'm feeling adventurous. Does anyone have any idea how to approach creating something like this. I'm fairly competent with wood work and electronics but I don't have the tools to work metal. I'd be really grateful for any comments/advice!

Thanks!

 

[s4sugar]

Google "I-Joy Ride"

I had a knock off to help get some core stability after my hysterectomy. Great in a limited way.

 

[cold_feet]

This takes me back. I'm 9 years old again, never been near a pony, but friend Meg and I lived in her garden riding wooden trestles! Those were the days. Doesn't help you a bit though!

 

[juliette]

Use an exercise ball, this will help your core and balance.

 

[Scuderia]

I checked out the I-Joy ride and various knock offs but I don't think that would help with what I want to work on. I.e. being well balanced with weight in my heels and a reasonably long leg. That looks like a general fitness/core strength machine and core strength and fitness are the two things I've got going for me from years of sport. Unfortunately it comes with a lack of flexibility and a stiff lower back (I'm working on these!)

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

If you're trying to stretch your legs, stand on tip toe on the edge of a step, lower your heels down to below your toes and hold a few seconds, go back up on tip toe. Repeat repeat repeat!

 

[Scuderia]

If you're trying to stretch your legs, stand on tip toe on the edge of a step, lower your heels down to below your toes and hold a few seconds, go back up on tip toe. Repeat repeat repeat!

Thanks S&S. I'll definitely give that a try. The problem I have is that I'm not just trying to stretch my legs but work on my balance in that riding position. Hench why I want the wooden horse. If it will work that is.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Is it more of a flexibility issue? If your lower back is tight it will be impossible to absorb the horses movement. Try yoga. Good core stability is necessary for riding properly and doesn't mean you'd be stiff, so there's possibly something else going on with you there cause stiffness. My friend is a gymnast, good posture and core stability, been on a horse 3 times. She has good balance, feel and control of her limbs on a horse. I'm not convinced your core stability is as good as you think. I don't see how trying to balance on a static wooden horse will help much. If you motorized it you'd be unlikely to get the movement of the paces right. You can get lessons on a proper mechanical horse though, there are a few around the country. You'd benefit from lunge lessons on a real horse, without stirrups or reins, if health and safety still allows these things in riding schools.

 

[WelshD]

If you are going to do it then consider the saddle quite carefully, a really rubbish one will do your balance and position no good at all

 

[Scuderia]

Is it more of a flexibility issue? If your lower back is tight it will be impossible to absorb the horses movement. Try yoga. Good core stability is necessary for riding properly and doesn't mean you'd be stiff, so there's possibly something else going on with you there cause stiffness. My friend is a gymnast, good posture and core stability, been on a horse 3 times. She has good balance, feel and control of her limbs on a horse. I'm not convinced your core stability is as good as you think. I don't see how trying to balance on a static wooden horse will help much. If you motorized it you'd be unlikely to get the movement of the paces right. You can get lessons on a proper mechanical horse though, there are a few around the country. You'd benefit from lunge lessons on a real horse, without stirrups or reins, if health and safety still allows these things in riding schools.

I think my core is pretty good in term of strength. E.g. I can plank all day but my back is definitely stiff. It's better than it used to be but I've still got plenty of work to do. I'll try some lunge lessons first but I'd still like something to practice on during the week.

 

[Dubsie]

I'd suggest pilates

 

[ChwaraeTeg]

Here's a great wooden horse called Splinters

http://www.caerleon.net/archive/photos/splinters.html

sorry I do not know the mechanics of him.
Teg