Tips: Locking arms/No bend at elbow

FlyingCircus

FlyingCircus

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I keep doing it, I know I do :( It's a really bad habit of mine that i'm trying so hard to overcome but just don't seem to be able to.
It's all fine when i'm focusing on JUST the bend in my elbows, but as soon as I focus on anything else it's gone and my arms are totally straight again!

Frustrating.
I know having lessons will help, but there's a limit to every budget and I can't afford to have someone on the ground shouting at me every time I need to correct...so does anyone have any little hints and tips to help me with this?
 
When I'm teaching people who do this, I find the best way to get them out of it is to tell them to relax their shoulders and hang their elbows loosely by the side of their waist and then lift their hands. Then think of the shoulder as a supple and free pivot. The shoulder is where the softness comes from, and it cannot work correctly if the elbows are straight. Reins should be held firmly in the hands to prevent them from slipping through the fingers. The pivot of the shoulder and the relaxed upper arm then allows the rider to be soft and follow the movement. Always try to maintain a straight line from the elbow to the bit.
 
Long stick behind your elbows ;) over-exaggerates the bend and you don't have to think about the elbows all the time :)

Relax your shoulders and maybe have a lunge lesson working on your upper body :) Also try and sit tall - not hollowed or round as this will help the shoulders sit which will help the arms relax :)
 
You don't need an instructor, you just need someone on the ground to focus on that particular thing. Alternatively, try pointing your thumbs at your horse's ears
 
Thanks guys :)

I'm generally quite good with holding my reins properly (thumbs up), and sitting tall etc, just the bend I can't seem to crack.
I worry a stick behind my elbows would make it difficult to ride in general :L But will give it a shot, can always stop :)

Would love to know how I got into this habit :( I never used to do it as a kid
 
Wagtail said:
When I'm teaching people who do this, I find the best way to get them out of it is to tell them to relax their shoulders and hang their elbows loosely by the side of their waist and then lift their hands. Then think of the shoulder as a supple and free pivot. The shoulder is where the softness comes from, and it cannot work correctly if the elbows are straight. Reins should be held firmly in the hands to prevent them from slipping through the fingers. The pivot of the shoulder and the relaxed upper arm then allows the rider to be soft and follow the movement. Always try to maintain a straight line from the elbow to the bit.
Click to expand...

Second this, the problem always starts further up than it manifests!
 
Lunge lesson or two, if you can get one.
Even if you went to a good RS, and told them you wanted a session just working on elbows.

Another few good exercises are rider exercises, to be done on the horse to loosen shoulders up. At a walk, drop reins to the buckle and warm yourself up, do exercises as you would on the lunge with one hand e.g holding one arm out, doing small, medium, big circle then swap. Would advise someone on the ground though. Once you are loose through your shoulders, you'll find your elbows stay closer to where they're meant to be :)
 
I had a one off lesson where I was given an exercise for this. Rubbish description but its putting my reins in one hand then sort of circling the shoulder.
 
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