One-sidedness (rider)

[sheep]

I've recently noticed (now that I am riding more regularly) that I can ride on the left rein much better than I can on the right. I'm not terribly sure why that is; I don't have any back trouble (that I know of!) or any other issues with my legs, joints etc.

I feel like when I am riding on the right rein that my seat is better on my left side (I think!) than the right, but I don't think I'm particularly unbalanced, my stirrups are even and I am sitting in the middle of the saddle. Generally I think my position is OK but I feel a definite weakness on the right!

Anyway, what my question is, does anyone else have this problem and what do you do to help combat it? My new boy D) is better on the left rein which is bad for me because it's my 'good' rein too.. we both need to work on the right rein!

 

[Nollaig Shona]

I'm stronger on my right, which is my horse's weaker rein, so it works out quite well for us!

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

OK. Bonkers suggestion of the day to remedy one-sidedness. Ready for this?




Learn to juggle. I don't mean while your riding, unless you are aiming to join a circus but it really really works. It not only balances you up but it also strengthens your arms, shoulders and core muscles. When you start to learn you'll find one side of you is weaker and less co-ordinated than the other but after a couple of weeks of practice you start to even up.

Hmm. I think I might start juggling courses for riders...

 

[sheep]

OK. Bonkers suggestion of the day to remedy one-sidedness. Ready for this?




Learn to juggle. I don't mean while your riding, unless you are aiming to join a circus but it really really works. It not only balances you up but it also strengthens your arms, shoulders and core muscles. When you start to learn you'll find one side of you is weaker and less co-ordinated than the other but after a couple of weeks of practice you start to even up.

Hmm. I think I might start juggling courses for riders...

Amazing!

 

[LouiseG]

I am the same, unfortunately both me and my horse have the same bad rein and we sometimes just make each other worse!! The juggling idea sounds brilliant, I will be giving that a shot!!!

 

[Tammytoo]

Have you tried seeing a chiropractor or physio? I had a similar problem and my chiro discovered that I had one shoulder slightly higher than the other, (years of carrying shoulder bags) after a couple of visits I was sorted out and was much more level in my riding. Do you have an instructor who could give you some excercises to help even up your horse? Or he may need a visit from the chiro/physio as well!