Sudden loss of core strength in rider?

[Perfect_Pirouette]

I seem to have really lost some core strength. I used to feel my seat bones and that 'pull' down my stomach every time I rode (and my results were a lot better!!)

Lately, I honestly have no idea why but, overnight, I seem to have just completely 'lost' my core?!

When I sit in a saddle now I can't feel my seat bones and then when I do, I find it really hard to 'feel' my core if that makes sense?!

I have been suffering lower back pain too so I know that it's all related. I honestly have no idea what's caused this. I can plank etc for quite a long time and my personal trainer at the gym said I have a lot better core strength than most girls he sees (though that could not be saying much!) but I struggle to apply it at the moment when riding.

I'm not riding in a dressage saddle at the moment, so that could be making a difference as the last one I rode in did tend to 'hold' you in place a bit and I could get the 'push' a bit more through having the knee blocks etc. I've also gone from schooling 2-3 horses a day to just 1.

I don't know, it's really getting me down.

I was schooling a baby horse for someone for a while and in wondering whether I compromised my position a bit and now my muscle memory has changed?

Has anyone else had this? Do you actively engage your core every stride you ride?

 

[FfionWinnie]

The slightest angle change in saddle position make a difference. If you are riding in a different saddle that's likely to be why you feel different.

 

[Pinkvboots]

The slightest angle change in saddle position make a difference. If you are riding in a different saddle that's likely to be why you feel different.

I agree with this I mainly ride in a dressage saddle but I have a gp I use on one horse if they are both ridden together and I so notice the difference I feel almost perched on it.

 

[soulfull]

I agree it's likely to be saddle

 

[I.M.N.]

I agree it's likely to be the saddle. A few years ago I had to be on "box rest" for 3 months and my consultant told me you lose 50% of your muscle mass in 3 weeks if you don't use it at all. So I suspect riding less horses may have had a slight effect as well.

 

[Vodkagirly]

If your having lower back pain there is a good chance its related to that. I have been feeling lopsided again so went to a sports injury clinic today. I knew I was stiff in some areas but the amount of tension he found down that side was a surprise. It would explain why my riding hasn't felt right.

 

[Fun Times]

If your having lower back pain there is a good chance its related to that. I have been feeling lopsided again so went to a sports injury clinic today. I knew I was stiff in some areas but the amount of tension he found down that side was a surprise. It would explain why my riding hasn't felt right.

This in buckets. I have suffered from back probs all my life nearly and as a result my core strength is significantly compromised which, in turn, worsens my back problem. Its a vicious circle. Chiropractic treatment and one on one personal training sessions have helped tremendously.