Straightening excercises (for rider)

[Annagain]

As you all know, I've been struggling with my confidence a bit recently and I've been a bit demotivated and avoiding doing things as a result. I gave myself a good talking to and booked a lesson for yesterday with an instructor I've not had lessons with for a while but I know is firm but kind. It was just what I needed - she didn't push me too hard but also didn't take any of my wimpy cr@p.

Anyway, she noticed something that nobody has picked up on before (I've had mostly riding club group lessons recently so probably no time in that situation). On the right rein, my right hand is coming back and I'm curling my body around it - this is blocking him from going forwards properly and making him go out through his left shoulder (or possibly vice versa - chicken and egg situation?) and give a little buck going into canter as he can't sort his legs out. She had me looking over my left shoulder on the right rein to straighten me up and it made a huge difference. Popping into canter nicely and not falling out through the left shoulder any more.

However, today I am in agony. The whole right side of my back has seized up. It's pretty obvious I've been crooked for a while and when I've straightened up it's caused a reaction. I need to do something to address this so can anybody recommend some exercises, both ridden and on the ground, to straighten me up or a website / you tube channel that could help please?

 

[OlderNotWiser]

I would recommend doing some Pilates, but strongly advise joining a class to begin with. The problem with trying exercises without proper instruction is that you could end up doing them wrongly and creating another problem!

 

[stangs]

Can’t help exercises wise, but is there a physio (particularly one that specialises in equestrians) near you?

 

[milliepops]

Physio first sounds sensible, and then I second pilates, ideally something for riders. i don't go to classes but i do sign up for equipilates online. several available on FB, I like Jo Titterton's classes.

 

[Annagain]

Yes, there is a very good physio who does horses and riders together just down the road from me but she's not cheap so I was hoping someone could say "this is what you need to do" !

I did pilates before lockdown but haven't recently so maybe that would be enough. I might get some one to one lessons as I'm convinced I never really did it properly as I never noticed a difference whether I was doing it or not.

 

[m1stify]

Look at activate your seat on Instagram/Facebook

 

[Equi]

I know a few exercises you can do but I’m not going to tell you them because as said you could do them wrongly and create a new issue. The physio is the only way I’m afraid!

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Definitely physio first.

 

[planete]

The physio may give you exercises to help with your particular problem, mine does.

 

[sbloom]

There is a lot of reasonably good stuff around, I always recommend a personal assessment and customised programme rather than a generic class wherever possible. Highly recommend Rider Reboot on FB, Activate Your Seat is good, and I do mention it to customers but it's not personalised, and then for those that might be open to a natural movement programme Refined Riding on FB is also very good. I've had an assessment with the first and last.

Bear in mind that in order for your off horse programme to really work to help fix you on horse the saddle must be supporting your pelvis for it to be able to be in neutral without effort, and this is not common. This is why people have been relying on blocks and deep seats, but they introduce tension.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

The sports massage lady I use runs a clinic where you ride your horse with a special vest on at it picks up any crookedness, then she will do some work on the rider to help the issue and you then get back on and hopefully its helped, she also will give you exercises to do on and off horseback to help you.

I don't know what they call it and I haven't done it myself but know a few that have and they really rated it.

 

[Annagain]

The sports massage lady I use runs a clinic where you ride your horse with a special vest on at it picks up any crookedness, then she will do some work on the rider to help the issue and you then get back on and hopefully its helped, she also will give you exercises to do on and off horseback to help you.

I don't know what they call it and I haven't done it myself but know a few that have and they really rated it.

I've seen these described as biomechanics clinics. The physio I mentioned above does watch you ride and then treats what she's found. She also treats horses so can assess whether you're affecting the horse or vice versa and who is compensating for what by doing what! She's very good but expensive. Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and do it!

 

[Goldenstar]

You need a physio to advise you what is going on and how to straighten.
I would also get a sports massage .

 

[sbloom]

I've seen these described as biomechanics clinics. The physio I mentioned above does watch you ride and then treats what she's found. She also treats horses so can assess whether you're affecting the horse or vice versa and who is compensating for what by doing what! She's very good but expensive. Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and do it!

They are, there are a lot of people offering them and they vary hugely in how they work. I actually think the off-horse work is more critical in some ways, though both are needed in the vast majority of cases. I work to align the upper half of the body to help the horse get more even in its ribcage so it can actually push up in front, which will be completely different to how others might work, they may use balls, bands etc. I just use a striped biomex jacket.

 

[Trouper]

Honestly you could spend hours doing exercises - incorrectly - and get no benefit if you try to second guess it yourself. Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and see your horsey physio. Not only will she give you the right exercises but will watch you at first to see you are doing them properly. I speak (she sighs wearily) from years of experience!!!

Also, if you carry on riding in an unbalanced way, you might also create a vet's bill.

 

[Brownmare]

I have tried various ways of straightening myself out over the years and found yoga to be the most effective and long lasting. I use the Down Dog app which creates sessions for you to follow according to your preferences with a video to guide you. Could you pm me the name of your instructor please, she sounds like exactly the type I have been looking for.

 

[Annagain]

I have tried various ways of straightening myself out over the years and found yoga to be the most effective and long lasting. I use the Down Dog app which creates sessions for you to follow according to your preferences with a video to guide you. Could you pm me the name of your instructor please, she sounds like exactly the type I have been looking for.

Are you in my area then? Will do.

ETA - just stalked you a little bit and your Dr Who post made me realise you can't be far away! Have messaged.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I've seen these described as biomechanics clinics. The physio I mentioned above does watch you ride and then treats what she's found. She also treats horses so can assess whether you're affecting the horse or vice versa and who is compensating for what by doing what! She's very good but expensive. Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and do it!

Yes that is it the lady I know treats horses as well she is very good at noticing the slightest thing.

 

[sbloom]

Doing a class, yoga or pilates, is definitely better than not doing a class, but specialist equestrian biomechanics, and strengthening, has come a long way, with a lot more to offer.