Mary Wanless Method

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Minnies_Mum

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I had a lesson today (first in about a year) with an instructor who is really into the Mary Wanless "ride with your mind" thing. She kept telling me to tighten my abdominal muscles as you would to do a sit up, so that my core is stronger and to tighten the tops of my thighs but without gripping with my knees. I have to say, I found it made downward transitions and steering much better on the horse I was on.

Needless to say, I ache a bit now
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I know it's my first lesson using this method, but it feels quite unnatural to tense my stomach like that, when I've been told for years and years to relax! I know it's more about supporting your own weight than actually being tense, but it feels very odd.

Does there come a point when it just happens and you don't have to consciously do it?
 
I have been riding with a ride with your mind instructor for the last 2 years and have found it has revitalised my riding. Once you have started to strengthen your abs you will be able to hold them almost subconciously. My boy is a real abs man, the more strongly I use my abs the better he goes. Once you have had a few lessons you really start to notice the little things like when you add a bit more tone how it changes the horses way of going even in just very subtle ways. I hope you keep going with it as I find it really rewarding.
 
I teach, and ride myself, using this method and can thoroughly recommend it. You asked if you eventually keep supporting yourself unconsciously and the answer is yes, but you can accelerate the process by years if you could start to think of your posture and body use even when you are off the horse. Not slumping in a chair or car or on the sofa (well, okay sometimes you can slump on the sofa!), standing with weight on both legs, not resting one while standing chatting are just a few ways you can start to make your muscles stronger and when you get on the horse they will be more toned, stronger and likely to switch on unconsciously.
 
Thanks for the advice
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I've been having a look at Mary Wanless' website and it looks fascinating. Even Lucinda Green commented on how hard it was and how odd it felt at first, so I feel encouraged by that!

Oldred, I'd been thinking myself about practising off the horse- I already know I tend to slump in a chair, so I'm working on in as I type! I've also been looking at the gymball exercises on the website and I'm thinking of getting one to practise.

Out of interest, has anyone ever used the rider's belt and is it useful? Am I right in thinking the strap at the front it to help you learn to keep your arms in the right position and not push them forwards? I know this is one of my faults, so I thought it might be useful.
 
Well done you for thinking about sitting up when off the horse. Its very hard to keep up but its a question of how much do you really want to improve? The more you do it off horse, the more you will notice when you are likely to slump and not be responsible for your own weight. Gymballs are a great, and cheap, way to understand balance and core muscles. Sit on the gymball, feet a bit apart in front of you and then alternately lift a leg up off the floor. You will probably find one side is more difficult than the other. Keep practicing lifting alternate legs till they both feel as easy.

I have used the rider's belt on myself but not on pupils. Its great for using a few times to get the exact feel of pushing out against the belt and pushing your hands away instead of pulling back with them. I use my hands to push against a pupil's hands, if they are inclined to pull back. It gives the same feel and I ask them to think of doing that when riding which seems to work well.
 
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