Why do I always rise on the same diagonal?

[Spyda]

I've had this problem for years... I ALWAYS rise on the right rein diagonal. If I am trotting in the straight line and switch diagonals the left diagonal (and this is on every horse I've ever sat on) it feels really wobbly and uncomfortable. Why is this??? It's obviously a problem with me, but how do I stop it?

PS. I've tried using the left diagonal more to try and 'get used to it' but 25 years on.... no improvement

 

[Shay]

You're probably slightly one sided - not a criticism every one is. Every horse too. But your natural bias is to the right so you rise to the right in preference. It probably doesn't matter too much if you are otherwise balenced. But if you have back pain - or if the horse does - it might be worth doing something like equilates to see if you can become a bit more centred.

 

[dieseldog]

Why are you left or right handed? Most people rise on the same diagonal - at least you know on a circle if you are going to be right or wrong before you trot

 

[*hic*]

It was drummed into me as a child to change diagonals every 20 strides out hacking. Perhaps if you make a conscious effort to change diagonals when you are hacking it would help you to become more even.

 

[Jesstickle]

It was drummed into me as a child to change diagonals every 20 strides out hacking. .

I thought that was just me!

 

[Joyous70]

Nope me too, i change my diagonals when out hacking too i usually count strides, or if there are evenly spaced drain covers etc., i use those as markers sad i know!! Also when im out hacking i will change diagonal on the lanes to suit the way the road bends.

 

[soulfull]

I have the same problem I know I rise wrongly on the left rein so I just alter it. I have also noticed that I have more difficultly putting my right back behind the girth.
So last night I tested it on the ground and sure enough I don't have the same range of movement in my right hip (especially backwards) So now I have to find some exercises to sort it out

My rising used to be fine but then my last horse used to throw you onto the wrong one, as he had health issues I didn''t correct it as felt it was best for him

 

[Gilbey]

I have always found when teaching that right handed people always rise to the right diagonal and visa versa for left. I agree that the opposite diagonal does feel 'wobbly' but it's not the horse! You can use it to your favour by always knowing that you rise on say the right diagonal, if you are schooling , you know instantly to change if on the left rein!
As above I always change hacking on lamp posts!

 

[Spyda]

Yes, I also change diagonals every 100 yards or so out hacking.... that's what's getting me down. Every 100 yds done on the left rein is HELL!!!!

I have a slight curvature of the spine and my left shoulder is slightly dropped. Could this be making the problem worse. That said, I was born that way and never had the problem as a junior rider. I was very good until 22. Then had a gap whilst at university and it was after that that the problem seems to have developed. This makes me think I could be doing something to strengthen my left side. Just don't know what.

I have also noticed that I have more difficultly putting my right back behind the girth.

Ditto! I'm prone to get cramp in my hips when riding in sitting trot too.

Jeepers... think I'm past it

 

[Hippona]

I'm the same...although I'm right handed, I naturally favour rising on the left diagonal....and like you find it seems odd if I rise on the right. I had a real problem with my previous horse trying to get him to strike off on the right lead ( right as in THE right leg, not right as in correct IYKWIM)...back/saddle etc all fine- turns out I was as crooked as hell.

So....may I recommend pilates? My back was really tight lower down just above the pelvis and I must have blocking my horse for all those years bless him. You can get a book called 'Pilates for Riders' ....I don't have it- I just do the normal stuff but it really helps to loosen up muscles you didn't actually know were tight.

I do try and make a concious effort out hacking to change diagonals every so often too.....my new horse is young and straight and I don't want to make him one sided like the last one

 

[*hic*]

Yes, I also change diagonals every 100 yards or so out hacking.... that's what's getting me down. Every 100 yds done on the left rein is HELL!!!!



Jeepers... think I'm past it

Try changing diagonals more frequently and building up to 100 yards!

 

[soulfull]

I have discussed this at length with my physio she says it is generally down to weakness and lack of suppleness through the hips and back.

I have lots of physical problems, RA, replacement ankle joint, lower back problem so sometimes its too bad and I can't do them all. Main problem at the moment is left knee due to RA makes some impossible

Have to do exercises as follows and I must say when I am able to do them it does help A LOT and they will be suitable for you too

This first one is important as it shows you how to activate the muscles needed to improve your hips otherwise if you can't activate these the hip exercises won't work

http://stronglifts.com/lordosis-why-it-causes-lower-back-pain-how-to-fix-it/

hip exercises.... I can only do the first 2 as not strong enough to do the others
http://stronglifts.com/7-dynamic-stretches-to-improve-your-hip-mobility/

seriously worth doing even if you only do them twice a week.

 

[joeanne]

I would go and see the chiro to be honest. If you have a spinal problem anyway, the muscles may be struggling to compensate.
Might be that you need a bit of a tweak, and some exercises to help with your general posture and core stability.

 

[Spyda]

Just bought 'Pilates for Riders' on Amazon. Should be with me tomorrow so I can get cracking!! Many thanks for the suggestion CuriousYellow. Certainly worth a try.

Many thanks too to Soulfull for the links. Does sound like my back 'conformation' is causing some problem. Defo need to loosen up.

 

[Spyda]

hip exercises.... I can only do the first 2 as not strong enough to do the others
http://stronglifts.com/7-dynamic-stretches-to-improve-your-hip-mobility/

seriously worth doing even if you only do them twice a week.

Aaaaaargh.... sure hope I don't have to get that good do I???!!!! LOL.

 

[posie_honey]

i learnt to ride by just getting on and riding - followed by hunting etc - so the idea of rising to any specific diaganol was pretty alien to me until i had lessons recently and yup - i'd been rising to the same diaganol all my life so i was exactly the same - useless on the 'wrong' diaganol -but to teach myself i now do swap every 20 or so strides out hacking - it really does work