Balance Exercise For Rider

This month I will be focusing on balance for riders.

A balanced rider = a balanced horse.

A helpful balancing exercise is, riding without stirrups.
Just kick your feet out of your stirrups and don't hang on to your horse’s mouth and ride!

While you are riding the horse without your stirrups:

• Sit up straight.
• Shoulders back, heels down, calves in contact with your horse's sides.
• Don't forget to breathe!
  

Note: Just because you don't have your feet in the stirrups, does not mean you just relax and let your feet dangle.

Start out at the walk, and then when that is comfortable, work with your feet out of the stirrups at the jog, trot, and lope or canter.

By taking your feet out of the stirrups, you will train yourself to sit properly. You will improve your balance, and move with your horse. Eventually, you may even prefer riding without stirrups to riding with stirrups.

Happy Balancing!

Deanna