Correcting rider imbalances

[Pehsness]

I don’t know if I should put this here or somewhere more general, but since dressage is my goal, here it goes.

My (22, QH, ex roper) gelding has a harder time bending right. He leans on the right shoulder, likes to cheat by turning his head in but keeping his shoulder bulged so he looks like an S, lol.

He can get the bend, he can’t maintain it very well. OR, I’m starting to wonder, I impede him from maintaining it.

I’ve twice broken my right ankle and my whole right leg often feels “off” in the saddle. Not the same as my left leg, which feels more relaxed, more draped, more better.

Even as a kid I remember always feeling the need to “hitch” my saddle to the right (you know that move I mean). I always assumed it was from mounting from the ground, but these days we practically just step over the horse with the giant mounting blocks.

What things can be done out of the saddle to test this theory - chiro, massage, pilates etc, to see if I am improve my evenness and balance in the saddle.

He is old, but he’s an athletic old bugger and I am really starting to think I’m the problem, not him.

Edited to correct the bend direction. I really am Crooked!

[BayBondGirl]

Start with physio! And/or if you have it, an osteopath can be an immense help.

Once you determine your imbalance(s), you’ll be able to get targeted exercises to help correct that, and you’ll be able to branch into Pilates, Yoga, etc without accidentally enforcing your current crookedness

I’ve got crooked hips and only just saw my physio about it the other day, and I’m kicking myself for waiting so long.

[blue_heron]

I would start with a slow flow yoga class. Not quite as strenuous as pilates but should get you stretching and thinking about both sides of your body. Having a hands-on instructor that you trust can be a huge plus, too.

[FjordBCRF]

PT and pilates have changed how I ride SOOOOO much. Check out Riders Pilates Club, she is fabulous and a half and great for anyone who may be new to it.

[Pehsness]

I actually use physio a lot, but it’s usually for my back. Do you just explain that you ride and feel crooked? That you don’t have an acute issue?

[anonevent]

A couple sessions on a racewood simulator with someone who understands biomechanics would probably be life changing for you

[PaddockWood]

You want to get someone who works with riders and is a rider and really understands the muscles we use to ride. Years ago I sent video to Dr Stephanie Seheult who is one of a handful of physios recognized by the USET.

She gave me just a few exercises to do and what a difference it made in how I feel in the saddle - meaning I don’t feel crooked… as long as I’m doing the exercises. Otherwise weakness sets back in for me.

You can do a search and find lots of video where she is talking about riding. What I’m not able to find is her current website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dOEpf7EN-A
https://amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/do-you-know-what-muscles-you-use-to-ride/

[Pehsness]

Thanks!

The two physios I use know nothing about riding, which had me questioning how I would even approach it.

[PaddockWood]

Look at this:

Physical Therapy: An Essential Part of Your Riding Position

And you could reach out to Amelia and see how to connect w Stephanie and send video.

[PaddockWood]

I would say too, how could that course not be money well spent if you have the time and funds?

[Scribbler]

If you can’t find a riding physio, try to find a sports physio who works on athletes. Lots of sports require addressing inherent imbalances. You might find something really interesting like one leg is shorter or your pelvis is off kilter. Get a diagnosis and then you can start thinking about targeted exercise. General strength and stretch like Pilates is great too but you might not locate the exact issue

[Dr_Doolittle]

Pilates and Feldenkrais – both game changers for riders!

[enjoytheride]

Try looking for a clinic with 5 Star Rider Physio.

She’s a physical therapist that works with equestrians while they ride. You attend the clinic and ride around while she watches you. Then she puts you on a table and adjusts you. Then you ride again, usually with bands or taping. She’ll send you home with physical therapy exercises.

[Zonderpaard]

@Pehsness you know, if you two have been together a while it’s likely that you both have enabled each other’s crookedness.

I know you asked about things off the saddle, but here’s something you might try. Take the stirrups off your dressage saddle, unbuckle the leathers, and rebuckle them so they make a big circle with the stirrups still on them. Then lay the leathers over the top of the saddle. Now ride a bit at walk and trot. If you are unlevel in the stirrups you will very quickly discover it! In a few minutes you will figure out how to keep even weight in the stirrups. Or wind up in the dirt.

Caveat that you should ONLY do this on a steady horse and you might want someone to have a longe line on the horse. Also, you will need help setting up the tack as you have to do it when you are already on.

This wont address your PT needs for your ankle, but might be useful for you in discovering where “level” actually is and informing the conversation with a specialist.

[Newberry]

Look up StableBody PT. She is fantastic and has a fitness program for riders. She has helped my weird right side tremendously.

[Jackie_Cochran]

I use the Home Horse riding simulator to which I added a long bubble balance on the platform.

That way my spotter can IMMEDIATELY tell me when I get out of balance from side-to-side and front-to-back and my body believes her (which it did not before I put the bubble balance on the platform).

[joiedevie99]

My imbalances aren’t terrible, but they don’t help make a hard sport easier. In the order I added them:
-monthly chiropractor
-pilates and stretching
-Feldenkrais (Dave Thind Method online courses, occasional lessons)
-equine focused personal trainer

[Pippigirl]

I love her pilates sessions. Just doing the ‘pretzel’ alone from the Ride Straighter videos has made so much improvement for my riding. I always had to fight my body wanting to twist to the right while on the right rein. I no longer do that!

[FjordBCRF]

Pretzel is great! All of the side lying stuff has really helped lengthen my leg as well.

[blue_heron]

Can you briefly explain this pretzel exercise?