seating to one side when seated astride and

[sovi]

For the passed year I have been struggling keeping my mare (9yrs old) to go in a line round the edge of the track in the school. In the corners she has been veering off the track and at one point spinning round in a circle. With help of my trainer I have stopped this behaviour and am in the process of having a saddle made for me by a saddler of great repute. I have also tried to loose weight and for a few months last year I actually attended pilates classes on a weekly basis. However I found this made me very sore and unable to ride - bad back arms etc. which was somewhat self defeating. I rode in the school a couple of days ago and the old problem started again- coming in off the track. I could have screamed.I know that my trainer would tell me to put my weight down my left leg and bend round my inside leg thus correcting the problem.It sounds easier than it is and I feel sorry for the horse. She is only trying to rebalance me.

I feel as if I am going round in circles having lessons in walk practicing flexing for months while I wait for the saddle to be made. My present saddle is twisted to the right and as I struggle to attain the correct strike off on the right rein . Has anyone else struggled with this problem? Feeling like you are treading water while those around you make real progress. It has not helped my confidence or inspired to get on and do more on my own. I just hack daily and occasionally go in the school. I have a wonderful stunning irish draught who is just a pleasure to have around.

 

[Archiepoo]

im afraid im going to say stop riding if your saddle isnt right and do fun stuff on the ground til your new saddle comes ,have a look at straightness training etc make the most of the time it takes to lose weight(well done so far) and i would suggest getting your horses and your backs both done so you are both straighter to start fresh . most people would find pilates very hard work! i have a spinal injury so sympathise with the difficulty of staying straight but truly you could do serious damage to your saint of a horse with a twisted saddle .

 

[sovi]

Thank you so much for your reply!! I struggle with my confidence so daren't stop riding again or I honestly may never get back on again. I only am walking and will get my horse's back checked out. I have seriously wondered about having my checked . Re my weight loss - its not happening / happened . However I will keep trying until I succeed.

Most certainly will go to see the straightness training info. I am so sorry to hear about your spinal injury. I do admire you continuing with horses under such circumstances. Very best wishes

 

[Archiepoo]

aw sovi- horses are in our blood thats why we continue even when we are afraid! seriously i totally understand about confidence ,is there anyway you can avoid the school totally if thats where you lose the will and just walk out and start enjoying your horse?

 

[sovi]

Yes I can do that. The only time I spend in the school is with my trainer.Thank you so much for your kindness and take care xx

 

[FestiveFuzz]

There is absolutely no excuse for riding in a twisted or poorly fitted saddle. Get the physio out to check your horse's back, get yourself checked out and as Archipoo advises do some groundwork until the new saddle arrives. You are never going to progress all the while your horse is uncomfortable.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I agree with the above stop using the saddle it could seriously damage your horses back, I am sure once you get your new saddle both you and the horse will find everything so much easier and much more comfortable and won't take long to get you both back on track

 

[poiuytrewq]

I have to agree, you need to stop riding. Your confidence will be far more damaged if your horse becomes really naughty or throws you off out of pain.
Rider confidence can be helped by getting closer to your horse on the ground though. Walk her out in hand? She will enjoy it and feel safe in your company and you will have a better relationship for it. Long reining is also fun x

 

[tamsinkb]

Just a thought....if Pilates hurt so much, have you seen a doctor or chiro or osteopath.....I struggle to sit straight if my SI joint is out and no matter how much I do my pilates practice ( which is normally a few times a week ) it takes the intervention of my chiro to straighten me, and by association my horses , out .

 

[smja]

I do Pilates once a week now, and it helps hugely - in fact, I'm normally less sore after the class than before! You should definitely discuss this with your Pilates teacher.

The other thing is...where are you looking? If you look to the inside, your head is likely to be drifting to the inside This brings your weight over that way and would encourage horse to come in off the track. Make sure you're looking straight ahead, or even slightly to the outside, to help keep yourself centred.

 

[[59668]]

Pilates once a week is not going to help you lose weight. That is nowhere near enough.
I also would say either ride bareback or stop riding till your saddle is ready. It won't be helping and is probably making things worse by the sound of it.
Has your instructor not told you to leave off till the saddle is ready?!