'natural arches'

[jUmPingIsLifE]

what do you think....when a rider has a 'natural arch' kinda like they are in their two point only up straight they just naturally have a 'arch' in their back? a couple kids i see are like that all the time and can't seem to keep a straight back...i guess it is good for jumping as they all seem to keep it VERY nicley over the jump?

[kedwards]

In my inexpert opinion, everybody's natural body shape is a little different, and I think people look good when their riding reflects that. I have seen people who have something of a natural arch in their back, but ride in a relaxed way that looks great. I've also seen people who ride with their backs arched in a stiff manner that looks very unnatural and forced (and doesn't seem to supply adequate flexibility). Personally, I tend toward the hunchback look if I'm not careful.

[myEllie]

The back should be flat when jumping, not arched.

[Dizzy]

We all have a natural arch in our backs, don't we? When riding I used to have a hollow in my back, what corrected me was constant nagging from my instructor:D

The thing to concentrate on is the position of the seat bones, when riding correctly the seat bones are underneath us aimed at the floor, if the back is arched or hollow, the hips are tipped forward and the rider is sitting on the front of the seatbones, meaning they are aimed back over. With me this meant I had a tendancy to lean forward, and found it impossible to relax my lower back and move with the horse.

I made up a check list in my mind, head above my shoulders, shoulders open and above my hips, hips in line with the horse's shoulders, relaxed lower back - I won't go on as the list is quite long. But one thing I did realise quite early on is your tummy muscles support your lower back and enables you to absorb the horses movement, and this is what puts your seatbones underneath you.

What I struggled with for a long time was to be able to this and remain relaxed and fluid. I felt like a fish out of water for a long time, there were times when I thought I'd never do it spontaneously, but it creeps up on you without you realising, I'll never forget the day my instructor shouted 'Well done, good correction' I didn't realise I had! I beamed for days after, all the nagging and self nagging, and enduring the frustration was eventually paying off.

Sorry for rambling on, hope it made some sense,

Lesley

[Princess]

Hey! It is nce to know that I am not the only person who makes up lists for their riding position and little bad habits. The only problem is, I have to write my list down oterwise I get quite confused (coz I'm thick!).

I have stuck my list up next to my saddle rack and hat hook so that whenever I go to ride. I see my list and remind myself of what I need to remember. Ever since I made the list, my instructors are amazed that I have such a good position and rarely need reminding about my old faults!

I would reccomend writing a list out to everyone who struggles to get the perfect position in the saddle!