Ridden exercises to stop back-hollowing (human not horse!).

Morgan123

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Hello,

anyone got any exercises that helped them develop core strength so they didn't hollow thier back when riding? I don't do it THAT badly but it's definitely there, and am having lower back problems which the physio thinks is related. She's given me some core stability exercises to do, but just wondering if there are any ridden exercises?

Thanks!
 
There are lots of core exercises on internet that you can do dismounted at home or whatever that would be good to start with. An overall fitness programme should develope core strength in general also...

...I was just thinking outside the box for something to make you aware of that area whilst riding... ...

What about ... Riding at walk with a boiled egg in your waist band at the front where your belt buckle would be. Hold it there. This may not work depending on the tightness of your breeches etc, but it would work with mine! That should just get you thinking about not letting your abdominal muscles sag and slump forward which results in a hollow lower back. It's just a mind trick and I've just made it up out of the blue, maybe I've just had too much coffee.

If your super brave .. Try an un boiled egg lol! If nothing else, you may get a laugh.
 
First of all, why and how are you hollowing your back? My first thought would be that you are not sitting on your seat bones but on your pubic bone instead.

Trying to correct a hollow back without addressing the seat will just leave your body contorted and potentially even more sore.

Is it worse in trot? Or canter? Any photos or video?
 
A Sensible addition...

Sitting central in saddle... At halt.

Feet out of stirrups, then position your legs like a jockey,up in front of you, knees totally bent, you should now really feel your seat bones on the saddle.

Keep that feeling of your seat bones on the saddle and slowly let your legs drop down to a more natural, normal riding position.

Your pelvis should no longer be tilted forwards, a common cause of the hollow back symptom. You are no longer sitting on your fork as they say. Boiled egg still optional lol.

But difficult to say without seeing a photo or video. A good instructor should help you.
 
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