While most sports involve one athlete, equestrian sports have two athletes that need to be considered - both must move together in harmony and balance. Riding places a unique demand on the shoulders, back, hips and knees. Additionally, the process of caring for horses involves a long list of “to do’s”, the majority of which are extremely physical. But have you ever thought of how pain or stiffness in your body can influence your horse?
A rider’s body position is the main tool used to communicate with the horse and small changes in positioning can alter the messages being relayed. Stiffness, weakness, poor control, and asymmetries in the rider’s body will negatively influence the horse’s performance, as the horse must then compensate for the altered movement patterns. Like humans, horses also develop asymmetries and pain, often caused by imbalances between the rider’s left and right sides. To enhance performance, the rider’s body must be addressed and below are some ways to improve symmetry.
Mix It Up
Injuries often occur from performing the same action repeatedly over a prolonged period. Cross training is an effective way to prevent injury and improve rider performance. For humans, a physiotherapist can help develop an individualised program full of variety including cardio, strength, and mobility. For horses, this also includes mixing up the type of workout. This can include an arena session, trail riding, pole work and travelling over uneven surfaces to improve their control and coordination.
Don't Favour One Side
Have you noticed that your horse is sticky in one direction and perfect in the other? This could be due to asymmetries in the rider. For example, you may think you are using the same rein pressure between left and right sides, but most people aren’t ambidextrous. Naturally, the dominant hand will be completing more of the work. It is important riders counterbalance this pressure by slowly strengthening the other side.
Core Control
A rider with good core control improves shock absorption, maintains a symmetrical and upright posture, balances the rider to unpredictable movement and allows for better control as the moves become more advanced. A weak core results in asymmetries, excessive movement in the saddle and pain. However, core control is not about keeping the spine rigid. Riders must first learn how to activate their core and then challenge this by activating it in various body positions. Functionally, riders must then learn how to activate their core more dynamically, so they have the ability to adapt quickly in the saddle to unexpected changes. Clinical Pilates is an effective way to engage the core during more dynamic activities to mimic riding.
If you would like to learn more about how an exercise program can improve your rider fitness, Back In Motion Como would love to help!
Website: https://www.backinmotion.com.au/como
Phone number: 9313 3414