Locking shoulder and Hands

[CrazyTB]

Hi Peeps,

I seem to have an issue with locking my shoulder and hand on one side. does any body have any tips i can work on to train myself to stop this?



Thanks,

 

[Embo]

Different issue but I wonder if this exercise would help you? My my outside hand/arm (only on right rein) sometimes has a mind of it's own and just creeps forward so I lose the outside contact.

My trainer got me riding one handed - both reins in the outside hand with the outside arm relaxed and hanging down at my side. It hasn't fixed it totally, but it's so much better and I'm now very aware of what my outside hand and arm are doing. So I use this intermittently to keep on top of
it.

I wonder if doing this might help you, too? Depending on what side you lock up.

Also doing some stretches before you start working could help loosen you up. Arm raises and circles and shoulder-rolls are what immediately spring to mind.

 

[Street_Skill]

I have this problem and it is really frustrating because I end up blocking my horse without meaning to. I find that lots of shoulder rolls while I'm riding help, plus wiggling my wrists to try and keep the elbow relaxed. I also find that if I lose my lower leg I tighten my upper body to try and compensate, so focusing on my lower leg position and stability is a must for me (plus plenty of visits to the chiropractor!)