wobbley Back - back position

[Pibstar]

I didnt notice that i have recently picked up a bad back habit of keeping my bum still in the saddle but rocking my back and forth, like its wobbling about. I feel safe and as if i wont fall off and that I am just riding along with the motion, but now its been pointed out I feel silly:o - My RI has said that i need to fill the lower curve in my back - so the curve isnt there any more but this feels like i am slowching (spelling :confused: ) and that i look stiff - I am the only one, if not how have you over come this???? I am find it really hard to break the habit:cool:

[Vez]

Have you tried doing stuff with no stirrups? I'm really not much help and this proberly won't work! :o If you do troting with no stirrups it might help with your position and even more your balance. If you find your balance you might not feel the need to rock. A alot of this will come with practise so don't feel like it will never come and don't give up! I hope this is of some help! Love you, Vez xx :)

[connieD]

try using your abs to lift through your rib cage and make your self tall as though you are being hung from a piece of string out the top of your head (if that makes sense!)

once you have made yourself taller the kink in your lower back will go - be carefull not to tense your shoulders though.

i used to have the same problem as you when i got nervous. sometimes my instructor tells me to lift my shoulders to my ears a couple of times and then drop then down loosly. that really helps

it will come with time, dont worry, for a while you will have to consciously remind your self but like any change in your riding position, eventually it will just come naturally

good luck

[Pibstar]

thanks, I going to have a lunge lesson monday, that normally kicks me back into shape. Its strange as it doesnt feel like I am unbalanced.........

I have read heather moffett book which decribes being pulled up through like a piece of string, my RI said that this causes people to sit up straight and stiff but instead to almost push down through your back causing the arch in your back to decrease and increasing the contact in the seat. Then to lift the shoulders up and round so they dont drop forward. I CANT DO IT!!!!! it just keep doing my wobbling impression!!!!!!!!!!!:D

PS Vez - love you too:p :cool: :confused: :rolleyes:

[MrDCBags]

There are some fab articles on this site that help with visualisation of what you should and shouldn't be doing. I have found them quite useful as as I too used to row!http://murdochmethod.com/articles.php

[MrDCBags]

There are also some good off horse exercises on this site

http://www.horsemagazine.com/CLINIC/Fitness/part2/lisa_part2.html

[Pibstar]

bags - do you want me to read for the next generation....... i cant read all that!!!:D however its does look interesting and i will give it a go :p thank you

[MrDCBags]

sorry Pibstar only trying to help!!!

I only skim read- I found some of the exercises useful though.

The other thing is pilates (not the Carribbean type)

[Pibstar]

i know thank you, hubby is out tomorrow night so i will give it a go then

[MrDCBags]

i know thank you, hubby is out tomorrow night so i will give it a go then

No worries. I too find myself doing these bizarre exercises when no on else is around!Bum walking across the carpet is bad enough with my black fox throwing his toys at me hoping that I will play never mind having spectators in the form of Small Boy, Medium Boy and OH.:D :D :D

[trina]

Hi

Quick exercise - lay on your back with legs bent (sort of like riding position). Note the curve in your back. Now engage your abdominal muscles. You should feel your back fill out and the curve will diminish. All you now have to do is try and recreate that effect standing (in on horse position). Then actually attempt it on horse. Holding a towel slung round your back and 'bracing' into will also help locate the muscles that need to be used to acheive this. It's basically neutral spine (see pilates sites for more)

It's shocking how much muscle power you need to start with, but overtime it get's easier and your riding gets better. All my old problems (and lower back pain) have disappeared.

Have fun

Trina

[Skib]

I must put in a word for Sally Swift's book Centred Riding.

The images Sally Swift uses - building blocks and springs - will stop you stiffening and sound as if they may be what you are looking for.
My teacher thinks highly of it. So it has influenced my lunge lessons and the way I ride. But it is very relaxed. Nothing is forced.

[Pibstar]

thanks trina, i used to do pilates for my physio reasons so i think i might go back. i have really bad core muscles from a car accident (nothing serious but caused me loads of knock on problems).

Skib - thanks for recommendation i'll try that one out.

MrBAgs - i've not managed to read your links so far but i will!!!! promise!!:D

[doris]

A few little things you can try:

Imagine you have a pencil taped to the back of your head and you are drawing a straight line on the ceiling (sky). This should help you 'lift' your ribcage without stiffening your body.

Think 'float forward' with your upper body and pretend to blow a candle out. This will help to put you in a better position. Many of us think we are sitting fairly straight, when in fact, we are not.

Try to find 'neutral pelvis'. This can be done either on a horse, or standing up. Soften your hip/pelvic area and find your natural balance point.

Above all, remember to breathe! I know it may sound silly, but we all forget to breathe, and this makes the whole body stiff and makes it do funny things.