You may have been told during your dressage career that your horse is just not good enough to reach the level you are aiming for, and that you need to get a horse with better lines. While it’s true that having a horse with good leg lift and air time helps, with the correct use of your body, your horse can start to move much more freely underneath you, and you will be surprised by the results. Rider biomechanics is all about positioning your body in a way that allows your horse to move effectively and using your seat to communicate your needs. There is only so much you can achieve with leg and hand aids, but incorporating your seat can bring a new dimension to your riding. Whether you aim to create a beautiful dressage horse or compete in western games, improving the rider's skills always enhances the horse’s performance. The more you practice, the better you get, and the more you notice areas for improvement.
The Foundation of Communication
Think of rider biomechanics like a phone call. If you are on a call with someone and the line is broken, it’s hard to understand them. You start to shout and move around to improve the connection, but the one thing you might not consider is using a different phone or finding another way to call. In horse terms, when you rely solely on leg and hand aids, and your seat sends different signals, the horse gets mixed messages. By using your seat to communicate, you establish a better line of communication. This is crucial for creating the horse you want because it means you can influence the horse’s natural gaits more effectively without visible disruptions. It also allows you to help the horse develop the desired gaits independently of the reins, which is vital for dressage.
Building Trust and Accountability
Horses are incredible partners that need a trusting, accountable, and strong rider. They are naturally anxious and need the security of their rider. Like us, horses seek the easiest path to a result, even if it means doing it incorrectly or uncomfortably. As riders, we need to create accountability for our horses to work correctly, which can be challenging without constant instructor supervision. Riders need to be strong because when a horse isn’t feeling its best, we need to help them correct their posture and movement. Building this foundation of trust can be the start of creating a great horse. Once a horse trusts you, they are more likely to try new things because they understand you can help them maintain balance. This trust also helps the horse develop strength evenly and effectively.
The Importance of a Neutral Pelvis
A neutral pelvis is crucial for absorbing the movements of both your body and the horse. It helps you move your pelvis correctly in the saddle, avoiding limited range of motion in the sacroiliac joint. A neutral pelvis allows you to feel the walk, trot, and canter more accurately, relieve lower back pain, and prevent a hollow back. It also ensures your seat bones stay connected with the saddle, making your horse more responsive and movements more adaptable.
Enhancing Body Awareness
Body awareness is essential for effective riding because it helps you identify when something is off in your body or your horse's. Being aware allows you to correct mistakes by imagining different movements, placing a ball, or thinking of the flow of the movement. When you know exactly where things are going wrong, you can make precise adjustments to improve.
Activating Muscles
Muscle activation is another tool that helps you create the horse you want. Activating muscles bilaterally allows you to correct mistakes and enhance movement. Strong muscles, both extended and flexed, are crucial for riding. Focus on developing shoulder, back, pelvic, leg muscles, and ankle mobility. Working these muscles bilaterally offers more benefits in riding than focusing on whole muscle groups.
Mastering Complex Movements
When progressing in dressage, simple movements can be easy, but more complex ones, like moving sideways or skipping gaits, can cause tension and mistakes. Understanding how the horse moves and using compensation to your advantage simplifies riding. This knowledge helps you progress faster without overwhelming or triggering your horse.
Integrating Rider Biomechanics into Training
Integrating rider biomechanics into your training is straightforward. Notice how movements feel, identify where you get stuck, and develop tools to improve. I teach practical, ethical, and simple tools to enhance your riding. If you struggle to feel the next movement, consider booking a session. Developing these skills adds immense value to your riding career. Once you learn to notice, change, and compare, you will have lifelong tools to use in every ride.
Creating the horse you always wanted is within your reach. By understanding and implementing rider biomechanics, you can build trust, enhance communication, and improve your horse’s performance. Start by focusing on a neutral pelvis, increasing body awareness, and activating the right muscles. Remember, every small improvement brings you closer to achieving your riding goals. If you need guidance, book a session and discover the transformative power of rider biomechanics.
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