Tense Shoulders

Alaadin

Alaadin

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5 March 2011
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I unfortunately suffer with very tense shoulders when I'm riding. It is a problem I have battled for years, but now I am not having lessons, I am struggling to know how to correct it.

I have been having problems with my loan horse in that she is evading my hand. She is good some of the time but is never consistent in her outline and quite often she just sticks her nose out and ambles around. I have seen her owner ride her and she goes really nicely, which is leading me to think that the problem is me.

I always find that when I'm cooling down after a riding session that my shoulders are very stiff and sore. I also find that when I'm just simply sat in a chair that my neck can get quite stiff. Also when I roll my shoulders they crunch and crack (ewww :().

So my thinking is that I may need some exercises to do in and out of the saddle to help me relax and strengthen my shoulder muscles.

Cookies for anybody who can help :)
 
Have you tried thinking about putting weight in your elbows? This should help you soften your shoulders and hands. It might sound mad but next time you ride try to think "heavy elbows" as if the point of your elbow has a weight attached to it.

Keep your legs round her at the same time and she should drop and soften to find your hand.
 
If at all possible would you be able to go along to a Pilates class? I find that when I get nervous my shoulders immediately cling to my ears and become very tight, which in turn transmits to the horse and so on ..... have found Pilates really helpful - try to remember shoulders back and down into your back pockets

Good luck
 
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