Kind of spin off from the lower leg thread.

[poiuytrewq]

As some may know (because it's the bane of my life and I whinge about it....a lot, sorry!)
I have a dodgy hip which is making me feel really unsecure in the saddle.
In a recent jump lesson (first take off in years!)
The instructor said to do the old tricks as much as possible to help, hacking in a 2 point position and if possible no stirrups to try and lengthen the bad side.
My worry is, is this great for my horses back?! I have quite a sensitive chap and although I won't be bouncing badly (thinking of old RS beginner days when I was a kid!)
It is something I worry about!

 

[caileag]

I'm in a similar position, dodgy hip and horse that definitely doesn't take kindly to any of my moments of my unbalanced thumping on his back while attempting to trot with stirrups crossed. I might and work a bit more at the rising from the calves instead as someone described and just keep the non stirrup trots to short bursts and build it up

 

[be positive]

Hacking in 2 point will be good for your security and should be fine for his back, no stirrup work not so good for either of you if you don't feel comfortable, try just kicking your feet out of the stirrups in walk and stretching the legs down and only trot when you feel you are going to remain secure and relaxed, otherwise it will be counterproductive and cause more tension to creep in.

 

[Damnation]

Have you thought about doing some Pilates for riders to build up your core strength and suppleness or getting some lessons on a simulator?

 

[poiuytrewq]

I went to a free taster Pilates session recently as so many had advised it and I have a Pilates for riders book but wanted to be sure I was doing bits correctly first.
The guy had a kind of springed bench which in various positions I had to push bits away from me! It was so difficult and I was in agony after, kinda put me off!
I'm assuming it was the wrong kind of Pilates but have been unable to locate a class/instructor close other than this guy

 

[Damnation]

I went to a free taster Pilates session recently as so many had advised it and I have a Pilates for riders book but wanted to be sure I was doing bits correctly first.
The guy had a kind of springed bench which in various positions I had to push bits away from me! It was so difficult and I was in agony after, kinda put me off!
I'm assuming it was the wrong kind of Pilates but have been unable to locate a class/instructor close other than this guy

Maybe try some of these?

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/pilates-for-riders-exercises-to-try-at-home-477412

If they work for you then perhaps look at getting a DVD you can do at home?

I'd also say maybe a trip to a sports physio may help your hip?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Obviously start slowly with no stirrups work but you *should* find that you sit more correctly and comfortably without stirrups. I have always found canter without stirrups easier to sit closely on even the bounciest horse.
Just a few minutes walk work and build up gradually from there, when you are happy to do so.

 

[Tnavas]

For those of you that struggle with dodgy hips or being crooked, do any of you go regularly to a good chiropractor?

When I had the riding school I found a large number of women were crooked, and the majority of them were mothers who had upset the alignment of their hips by carrying their children. When you consider the number of regular hours you carry a baby, or toddler straddled across your hip it's not surprising that the body starts to realign its self to the shape.

I sent each one to the chiropractor, luckily one of my students mother was a chiro, she worked wonders on these people.

Worth a thought. Look after your body now will save you a lot of pain as you age. Visiting my chiro today and know that I will come out feeling great.

 

[Bigginge]

Try a sports physio or personal trainer, there are lots of good exercises you can do to stretch those bits of you. I stretch every time before I get on now, and it has made a world of difference for me and my poor horse!

 

[Tnavas]

Try a sports physio or personal trainer, there are lots of good exercises you can do to stretch those bits of you. I stretch every time before I get on now, and it has made a world of difference for me and my poor horse!

Sports physio, stretching is good but you also need to address the initial cause of the problem, which usually stems from joint alignment.
Just back from chiro, improved, can almost stand vertical again, a short slip getting into the bath on Tuesday! Another treatment Monday, plus ice pack on the hip that's having problems.

Then start physio and stretches.