DH came to the barn with me yesterday and took pictures while I rode.
Gotta say, my immediate response was…UGH.
Here’s a palatable one:
So what’s wrong with this picture?
1.) Elbows. Too straight and forward. More of a bend creates an effective line from elbow to bit. Also brings elbows into shoulder/hip/heel line–more effective signalling.
2.) Legs. Pushed forward, heels not under hip.
3.) Midsection. Collapsed. No strength in core, ergo, legs forward, shoulders rounded, causing more of a back seat/chair seat position. Also means I’m not supporting myself effectively on Mocha’s back in this sitting trot, ergo, wee bit of hollowing in her back.
And here’s what it looks like at the canter:
Well, the elbows have improved slightly. But to the previous sins add:
4.) Looking at the ground
5.) Leaning forward too much
6.) Heels wandering up.
The core is at the root of these sins. I still haven’t rebuilt strength after losing it as a result of being so sick for two weeks that I literally got up, went to work, came home, went to bed. No workout, no strength…means the core muscles have softened a little bit.
You need core to ride a horse like Mocha well. Strong core=horse rounding into bit, light contact, minimal signalling. Weak core=heavy on the bit, sore horse, sore rider.
Guess I know what I need to do to get back into shape. In my defense, it’s only the fourth ride since I’ve been sick. But still….
