Tense bum when riding...!!

[FlyingCircus]

how do I stop this!?

This happens at all paces I suspect (although I mainly notice in walk) and in the school, out on fast hacks, ploddy hacks, riding to the field even!

I'm tootling along sometimes on the buckle out hacking, pretty relaxed as I'm nattering away to friends and horse is non spooky type so not like I'm anticipating...when I realise I'm tensing my bum. When I've noticed, I can relax and it feels much better. But what gives? Why am I doing this in the first place?

 

[Lintel]

Silly question but are you guarding from something?
Do you have pain somewhere?

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

Following with interest as I realised the other day that I do the same. Although I think mine is from trying to hold myself in the correct position in my saddle that is far too big for me as I realised I don't do it when I ride a tiny pony for a friend in a much smaller saddle. Do you notice yourself tensing on other horses/bareback?

 

[FlyingCircus]

Silly question but are you guarding from something?
Do you have pain somewhere?

I don't think so? I have a bad back generally though so whilst it doesn't necessarily hurt now/then I suppose maybe my muscles are waiting for the pain

 

[Somewhat Off The Way]

Also following with interest, I do the same. For me, I think I have weak core strength and so tightening the buttocks (and thighs a bit?) is my attempt to 'sit up'! I am consciously trying to engage my core better and loosen up the lower half, but it's easy to slip back into being tense...

 

[FlyingCircus]

Following with interest as I realised the other day that I do the same. Although I think mine is from trying to hold myself in the correct position in my saddle that is far too big for me as I realised I don't do it when I ride a tiny pony for a friend in a much smaller saddle. Do you notice yourself tensing on other horses/bareback?

I do it on both of mine (one a youngster and the other an established 13yr old)

 

[Lintel]

I don't think so? I have a bad back generally though so whilst it doesn't necessarily hurt now/then I suppose maybe my muscles are waiting for the pain

That would be my best guess is unintentional guarding, the same as we would with a pain in our stomach.
Do you take lessons or have somebody on the ground to watch? Sounds like something a pair of eyes on the ground would be able to help you with!

 

[Pippity]

Also following with interest, I do the same. For me, I think I have weak core strength and so tightening the buttocks (and thighs a bit?) is my attempt to 'sit up'! I am consciously trying to engage my core better and loosen up the lower half, but it's easy to slip back into being tense...

That's what it was with me. Once I started working on my core strength (mostly, it must be admitted, by sitting on a stool at my desk, instead of a chair...) my bum started loosening up.

 

[Bob notacob]

Hell! I tighten everything when I take Bob notacob into the school. second fastest hit the ground in my life . First (also bob) took 4 weeks in ICU .With some horses you need to be wary.

 

[Equi]

Yup I do this so so much. My instructor tries to get me to use my core more and loosen up. My hips are getting very sore riding lately and I can barely keep my heels down and it’s only clicked that it could be because of this. I haven’t been to the gym in a long time and before I used to do lots of sit ups and the like so frankly I’m just very unfit now. Gonna try and remedy that ?

 

[little_critter]

Yes, I always did this (think I’ve stopped now). I think it was a) I was trying too hard b) my horse was behind the leg.
I just had to be aware of it and whenever I caught myself doing it I’d make myself un-clench. It took a while of being bum aware but I’m much better now.

 

[J&S]

Try a nice squishy/furry seat saver. I made mine out of an old sheepskin coat and I am sure i sit deeper and more relaxed with it.

 

[thefarsideofthefield]

People sometimes confuse core strength with holding their stomach in , which is actually just tightening the outer muscles and creating tension . Core strength is all about the deep muscle - a good pilates instructor will teach you the technique and relevant exercises .
Core strength confusion aside , I find when I'm teaching that some women have a tendency to suck their stomachs in and that when you point it out to them they will say that they always do it , riding or not , to make their stomach flatter . It is often so ingrained a habit that it's not even a conscious act , and it can be a real challenge for them to ' let go ' ! Needless to say men never seem to have the same problem .
When you are riding make sure that you're breathing properly and keep your stomach soft and relaxed . It is impossible to clench your buttocks whilst you are ( gently ) pushing your stomach out ( try it ! ) .

 

[Carrottom]

You can engage your core without pulling your belly button in. As said above a good pilates instructor should be able to help, try to find one who rides as well. If you can relax your glutes when you want to you just need to practice whilst riding, easily said than done I know.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

You can engage your core without pulling your belly button in. As said above a good pilates instructor should be able to help, try to find one who rides as well. If you can relax your glutes when you want to you just need to practice whilst riding, easily said than done I know.

Mary Wanless has a good explanation of relaxing the stomach muscles.

 

[DabDab]

Yep, bum muscles are big strong muscles that will jump in to try to help out another bit of you that isn't pulling its weight .

I do it because I have hypermobile hip joints and am subconsciously trying to keep my wobbly legs still. To stop it I have to make sure I'm sitting properly on my pubic bone, rather than rocking back and bracing my bum.