center balance :(

[Tessa Rocks!]

hey!
hi..lately i have been having trouble findin my center balance and i cant keep my shoulders back as well...does any one have anytips? bye!

[qwerty]

I felt like that for a while so I did a load of balance things (even thogh Nina insisted I was fine!)
In walk, trot and if you feel confident enough canter ride with your hand on your head and then move in onto your leg (always keep on hand on the reins). Try riding without stirrips to sort out your posture.
How long ahev you been riding? It is mainly practice that will help!

[Kerry's Partner!!]

Quite often - but in my case (so I'm told) it's only when I lose my confidence. If anyone could give me a cure for this I'd be extremely grateful because my horse just seems to have expectations way beyond my capabilities bless her.

[qwerty]

It was the same for me. It was only after my first fall that I started feeling insecure. It was my first jumping lesson.

[KarinUS]

I think it's human nature to "perch" a little bit when we lose a little confidence. Some call it "fetal postion"(shoulders forward, hands up, heels up, etc.), but lets hope we are not that scared that we totally roll up! LOL :)
You just have to remind yourself. Although think of the things that don't come to mind. Like even though the obvious problem is "shoulders forward" also think of heels down, seat bone tucked in, etc.
That balance issue usually affects more than one area (at least with me) it seems. Even though the instructor will shout "shoulders back!", rather than just pulling my shoulders back I'll often re-position my weight to the seat-bones (rather than crotch) and she'll say:" Good that looks a lot better"- even though I haven't done anything with my shoulders yet. It's an overall picture...

Might not apply to you since you're more advanced, but maybe something to keep in mind! :)

[qwerty]

How advanced are you. Don't remember reading that!

[Casper]

bareback riding is a good way to improve your over all balance!!

Or maby you could try yoga on horse back!!!!!!!!!!:D (hope this helps)

[KarinUS]

I just assumed that. Kerry's Partner has a horse, so she probably rides a whole lot- which equals more advanced than me! with my measely two times per week... :)

[qwerty]

I only ride once a week now! Did ride twice but it is too expencive :(

[KarinUS]

I just cut mine in half! :)
I found a place that lets me ride 30 minutes instead of 1 hour (half-price) and I tack and warm up on my own time.
So I still pay the same, but get more out of it!

:)

[Princess]

Having some lesson's on the lunge with a god instructor who you feel comfortable with, would help you to keep more balanced in the saddle and also improve your confidence.

You could also try riding without stirrup's or even going bareback if you feel confident enough.

I hope it helps!

:D

[Ceraptor]

1) Get a teacher that will patiently let you sit on a horse during a lunge and let you sort out your problems without nagging, nagging...

2) Don't try to ride without stirrups until you feel confident. If you ride without stirrups when you're feeling not-confident at all, all you'll end up doing is leaning forward more, your shoulders will haunch up, and your instructor will nag nag nag...(but once you get the hang of trotting without stirrups, trust me, you'll love it. It's just so relaxing on your legs...)

3) Center of balance...is there actually a such thing? Even if there is, it doesn't last very long. Call it "keeping your balance" rather than finding your center of balance. And think: You're on top of the world! Keep those shoulders wide, breathe plenty of air, and you rock the world!

[qwerty]

Ceraptor - something tells me you don't like your instructor!!! ;)
I have never done any lunging so I can't comment on that but I have ridden without stirrups and it was GGGGGGreat! I felt very deap seated and balanced...definately worth a try!:p