I'm all wonky

[tolka]

Anyone got any advice, when i ride i'm twisted!!!!!!!! my left shoulder is too far foward and right too far back, my hips/legs also appear to be twisted or at least stronger on my left!!! I've only noticed since i've changed my riding school horse to an old girl who has a tendancy to fall in ..... unfortunatly on the same side as me which has some interesting consequences at the trot :p (not quite brave enough for canter yet). i can hold it on the long side when i concentrate but always lose it on the corner (right rien).

all help appreciated

[Em 1]

Don't worry, most riders are wonky! The fact that you know where your body is, is a good start - that's the hardest part to learn! Are you left handed? Do you work at a computer with your books on the right? All these things can lead to weakness on one side.

Try shrugging your shoulders and then rolling them forwards and then back. You could try the whip exercise - give your horse a long rein, put the whip behind your back and 'through' your elbows. This takes your shoulders back. Don't force it though. Not to be tried on a horse that thinks it belongs in a rodeo etc!

If your legs are twisted, try letting them hang out of the stirrups. Take them sideways away from the saddle then drop back again. This may make them loosen and flex more.

You won't solve this instantly but it will help in the long run. Talk to your instructor though if you're not happy.

[BackintheSaddle]

I too am all twisted and sort of collapsed on my right side. . I didn't really notice it until recently. I am now sharing a less well-schooled horse, and am having to work much harder to keep myself balanced so that SHE can keep HERSELF balanced. I am now stretching a lot before I get on, and when first in the saddle, I reach up with both hands as high as I can, reach down and touch my boots, reach forward to touch the opposite ear, and sit back on my bum whilst pulling my knees up in front of me. It has taken Texas a while to get used to my on board highjinx, but it has helped me even out.

[tolka]

Yep i'm right handed, but i have an office job and my computer is just offset to the left so my shoulders are twisted most of the day.