I'm Wonky!

dominobrown

dominobrown

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 March 2010
Messages
4,344
Location
North England
Visit site
Help, I'm wonky. :o

I am left handed and a lot stronger in my left side overall as I tend to use it more.
Also in the odd picture of me riding I seem to 'collapse' me left side. I have also had various problems with my left shoulder and back which I think may be causing me to collapse through my waist area.
To make the problem worse my horse is also very left sided (he is naturally), though by being left sided too we make life very difficult for each other!
How can expect my horse to be even when I am so wonky :confused::mad:

Other bad habitats include being stronger in my left hand than my right. I am aware of this and I trying to ride 'evenly'. Though its a concious effort.

Need to fix my wonkiness before my Stage 4 riding in the summer :(

Any ideas, exercises that will help?
I quite want a lesson on a schoolmaster to fix my position, maybe on the lunge, but I can't think of anywhere near me :confused:
 
You're not the only one :o

Try yoga or pilates. I know it's hard to find the time, but if you go to a class once a week or once a fortnight and practice the exercises at home when you have a spare 15 mins it will help.

The stronger your core, the less you will collapse through your waist. I used to do this and didn't even realise I was doing it. Then I took up rowing (I was at university and needed a riding substitute in term time!) and I cannot tell you how much my position improved, and it was all down to having better core strength.

I posted once about the core exercises we used during circuits, in case anyone found them helpful. I'll see if I can find the thread...*bumbles off*
 
Thanks, Steorra.
I think the ridicoulsly expensive I joined has pilates classes, need to get down there!

Its really annoying but I don't know I am doing it until a see a photo or video.
 
I have a Wonky pussy cat who's called Wonky! Anyway on a serious note - I am right handed but hugely stronger on my left. I baffle all the chiros, physios etc! I highly recommend core exercises. I bought some dvd's from Amazon and a Swiss Ball and do them at home. Cheap and effective!
 
I'm in the wonky club too :o

Have you tried seeing an oesteopath?

I always struggled with collapsing though my right hip and keeping an even contract, among other things. Like you, I have various issues with my shoulder & back after a couple of falls.

Tried many things, but the one thing that is really making a difference is seeing an oesteopath. He immediately identifed muscular issues in the right of my lower back, we have been working on releasing these over a couple of sessions. I'm already feeling and seeing the difference, even noticed by my RI (who didn't know about my treatment, was just an observation). I was sceptical, but it truly is working for me.

The only downside is that the treatment is painful, and I feel pretty rough for 24 hours afterwards.

My next appointment is next week, so I am hoping the improvement continues. It is £34 per session, I wouldn't hesitate to pay this if I thought there was an issue with my horse's back, so well worth it!

Hope you manage to get your wonkiness sorted :)
 
I think I will get myself off to the oesteopath.
I don't think anyone is completely symmetrical (or any horse to be honest), but I am not helping my horse by being so wonky, and I won't be able to pass my Stage 4 if I am wonky. Thanks for the tips guys, and glad I am not the only wonky one!!! :o
 
Try a mechanical horse - with an instructor, they will help you understand what balanced feels like for you.

I understand that para riders have been known to use these so they can find a balanced place to ride.

If that is not possible do you know anyone with a Wii Fit and a balance board - that can also make you more aware of your balance - and of course pilates would be fantastic.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top