Although this form is considered ideal, the exception would be if you need to adjust your stirrups to alleviate strain in your knees.
Ask a spotter to watch you as you ride straight toward them. Have them alert you whenever you start to straighten your legs to the side. Exerting pressure downward into the stirrups and out to your sides can lead to ankle and knee pain.
Arching your back causes your weight to shift forward, which means you’ll be landing on your tender bits instead of the bones in your butt as you bounce in the saddle. Being able to sit up straight without having to think about it is an important reason to strengthen your core both on and off the horse. This will prevent you from tensing up as you try to maintain posture. In the meantime, focus on drawing your bellybutton in toward your spine. Concentrate only on the muscles required for this. This will help keep your back relaxed as you ride.
This may be referred to as “pronating” by instructors. It’s always best to wear boots with a small heel, so your feet can stay steady in the stirrups. [4] X Expert Source Alana SilvermanCertified EAGALA Equine Specialist Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
Bend your knees a little bit while tucking your tailbone inward. Keeping your feet in place, turn your upper torso to one side, twisting from your waist. Stop once your rear arm is pointed directly behind your butt. Twist back to your original position, again using the muscles in your waist. Perform the same movements on your other side for one rep.
Raise one foot slightly off the ground. Keep your other leg’s knee slightly bent to better absorb your body weight. Rotate your raised foot until your toes point inward. Focus on your heel as it directs each movement, not your toes. Lower your foot and repeat the exercise with your other foot. Concentrate on your heels throughout to keep your core muscles engaged.
Sweep your forearms in toward each to clap your hands in front of you. As you do, keep your forearms perpendicular to your body. Once your hands have clapped, fold your fingers with your thumbs on top to mimic holding a rein. Bring your forearms back to starting position and repeat.
Waffle treads Thick treads Hiking boots Winter boots Sneakers[13] X Expert Source Alana SilvermanCertified EAGALA Equine Specialist Expert Interview. 17 March 2020. Sandals and flip-flops
Although you want your clothes to allow you freedom of movement, they should still be form-fitting or close to it. Loose clothing may become caught on your equipment or surroundings, which can lead to injury. Don’t wear pants that easily become twisted or bunched up as you move in them. Don’t wear shorts when you go riding, or else your legs will chafe and hurt a lot. [15] X Expert Source Alana SilvermanCertified EAGALA Equine Specialist Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
You want to find a leg position that allows your legs to comfortably exert enough force into the stirrups to raise your butt a little. This prevents you from sitting with all of your body weight on the saddle, which will make your butt sore. Try placing your stirrup so your knees are bent at about a 45°angle for a comfortable fit. [17] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. If your stirrups are too short, your knees will be too bent, which can cause some knee pain. If the stirrups are too long, your legs are too straight, and that will also put strain on your legs. [18] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.
Only use loose stirrups to straighten your legs forward. Sticking them out to your sides as if you were doing a split causes your muscles to tense up all over. [20] X Research source In addition, choose a saddle that’s the right size for you. [21] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.
Also, wear gloves to prevent blisters.
Keep in mind that some seat savers’ material (especially foam) may act like a sponge if it gets wet. This means it will become just as hard as your saddle if temperatures dip below freezing.
