I don't sit straight and its going to drive me nuts ... help!

[Teajack]

One of the factors that led to me giving up riding a couple of decades ago was frustration at my crookedness. Really became aware of this when I started to get interested in flatwork and the more I tried to address it the worse it got ... basically i tied myself in a knot I started having low-key lessons a couple of months ago and have been putting the crookedness issue fiirmly on the back burner while working on rebuilding confidence and generally relearning, but it makes it difficult/impossible to get a canter strike-off on the right leg (I twist to the right) so now I do need to try and sort it - without doing anything counter-productive. I have never found an instructor who could offer much help with this, actually none has ever raised the issue, its always been me. Any horse I ride always goes markedly worse on the right rein.

I did years ago have lessons specifically aimed at addressing my crookedness and just ended up stiff as a plank and unable to trot a circle without stirrups without sliding off ... demoralising to say the least.

The root of the problem I think is that my brain ignores my right eye due to a squint, so i have always turned my head/twisted to see things. I have already had eye surgery twice. However I am sure that not all riders with similarly wonky eyes sit crooked.

The one thing I have found that helps is to ride without looking at anything, just using my whole field of vision. Makes it tricky to find K though!

i now have a new instructor who seems happy to focus on what I want to work on so will discuss things with her, also try and get school horses who are reasonably straight. I have started to work on core exercises, concentrating on the weaker side.

Does anyone have any tips/advice please?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I bet you would find a physiotherapist who rides, very helpful. You also might benefit from a few sessions on a mechanical horse, of the kind that analyses your position.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

As above poster says: you would benefit greatly - in fact I would deem it essential - that you consult a qualified practititioner of physiotherapy, osteopathic, or chiropractic, preferably someone who understands riding and/or rides themselves.

And don't forget your horse!! If the rider needs physio, then so does the horse, and vice versa. People often forget this!

I'm fortunate in that my McTimoney practitioner treats both me and the Neds. Invaluable.

Oh and don't forget to get your saddle checked too!

 

[Tiddlypom]

I bet you would find a physiotherapist who rides, very helpful. You also might benefit from a few sessions on a mechanical horse, of the kind that analyses your position.

These, except that I used an osteopath instead of a physio. I was so wonky off the horse that it was no wonder that I was crooked when in the saddle . She straightened me up a lot. I also had 6 mechanical horse sessions which were a real help when I was getting ready to ride again after a long break.

 

[tallyho!]

absolutely support replies that say go and see bodyworker... it's true that you can't expect to sit straight on a horse if your body is wound up like a knotted cable stood still. Let's face it, as we age, we are bound to tie ourselves in knots as our emotions are connected to our muscles. Add to that, sleeping funny, sitting all day, pulling various muscles, back pain and all the usual adult injuries

 

[sportsmansB]

Try and find someone who specialises in Rider Biomechanics - my pilates teacher does, and other similar specialists near you might have done work on it. It really makes a difference. Also doing pilates (especially an equine class) is brilliant for body awareness and pelvis stability

 

[Schollym]

Tai chi would also help after you have had the wonky bits straightened by a physio or osteopath. I know I struggle on one rein which results in my left leg coming up( I lose my stirrup on that side) the ‘body’work and exercise have helped tremendously.

 

[tallyho!]

I know it sounds so patronising when people say this.... forgive me if it does to you... sometimes I need someone to say to me "sit up straight". Saying this to yourself in the saddle really helps stabilise your torso and soften your back - make sure your stirrups are not too short.

 

[BeckyFlowers]

I was crooked and it was causing me pain down one leg when riding. After an injury I went to a good chiropractor and the difference is amazing. I gave myself and horse the winter of a couple of years ago whilst I did some intensive chiropractic treatment and when I got back on the following spring I couldn't believe how great it felt!

 

[Goldenstar]

You need a rider assessment from ACPAT trained physio who gotvan interest in this area .
It will make a huge difference .

 

[splashgirl45]

i found that a lesson on a mechanical horse really helped as i could concentrate on myself and not on the horse. i went to becky chapman at ashen equestrian centre, essex and her mechanical horse shows your position on a computer so you can see how it changes when you sot in the correct position

 

[Teajack]

Thanks everyone for all your encouraging and helpful replies - sorry I haven't been around to respond earlier. I have now booked an assessment with a rider physiotherapist on Monday week and feel quite excited! Tried to find a mechanical horse already, but there don't seem to be any in Scotland at the moment. Hadn't really thought of it for helping with this for some reason. I see there is at least one in the London area and I was planning a visit anyway ... As my only riding at the moment is a half hour lesson once or twice a week progress is frustratingly slow. Cracking this would be a major step forward

 

[Moogleberry]

Good luck let us know how you get on ....