What is wrong with my elbows!!!

[MissDior]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if anyone could help me. I was schooling today and had a friend take some photos. I have always had a problem with getting my position right but think i have improved over time (def not perfect though lol a long way off!). For some reason my arms are just a straight line, I am consious of trying to bend my elbow and think that i am doing it, but by looking at the pictures today clearly not!! anyone have any suggestions of how to improve arm position when riding? Thanks very muchly

 

[Fools Motto]

I'm the same... it is my major weakness (amongst many no doubt!)

I try to picture 'dressage pro's' and pretend I'm one of them!!
Failing that, sit up and stick your chest out, lengthen your reins a fraction and bring your hands back - your elbows have to bend!
Good luck, and if you find a fool proof method, let me know!!?

 

[MrsMozart]

Points of shoulders blades in.
Boobs out.
And close the back of your armpits (got this one from Comp Riders sD).

 

[albeg]

Lift your hands too. I have the same problem, went for a lesson and the instructor told me to raise my hands. It feels weird initially, as if your hands are way up in the air, but it does help.

 

[teapot]

Start at the shoulders! You need to be relaxed across neck, collar bones and shoulders in order to relax all the way down the arm

So lots of loosening up, plus the 'close the armpits' technique and think about how you sit when you're at work/eating/in a chair etc

 

[BBP]

Armpits!! I have the same problem so look for my armpits thread in comp riders.

 

[Littlelegs]

Try to imagine you are trying to almost squeeze your sides with them, you'll end up in the middle ground. Or ride with cups of water, (persil at least imagine you are) with your hands in the right place your arms bend automatically. Depending on the horse you can always stick something under your arm just above your elbow. Make it a habit to check them at each letter. (this works for almost anything)

 

[jaijai]

I would recommend the book 'Kottas on Dressage'. There are some really good tips on position.

 

[Littlelegs]

Predictive text- or not persil!

 

[MissDior]

Thanks guys really appreciate the tips . Had a look at the armpits trick and sounds like it really works, so gonna give it a try along with the others. I do need to relax my arms just seem to be rigid, too much to think about when on a horse (especially a fizzy chestnut mare ) all part of the fun!! Thanks again guys I really do appreciate the tips