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Kati
26th Oct 1999, 02:56 AM
Hello everyone!
Just decided to share with you something I've found extremely helpful in improving my riding. I've always been terribly stiff when it comes to muscles - and I always hated gymnastics in school! When I started riding again after almost ten years break, my instructor constantly kept correcting my posture. I decided to do something about it outside the riding lessons as well and started stretching my muscles regularly - legs, back, shoulders, neck etc. At first I forced myself to do it just after every lessons, then at least 2-3 times a week. And a miracle happened! My posture started getting better, my seat deepened and in general, I felt much more supple in the saddle. So if you're not made of rubber, stretching is definitely worth trying! And of course, exercising - walking, cycling, whatever - in general is useful for every rider, especially for us, who are not lucky enough to own a horse and can afford just a lesson once or twice a week...

fran
26th Oct 1999, 03:17 PM
Kati - tell me more! I'm a non-owning once a week rider too, and would love to know what kind of exercises you do for the streeeetching...I don't feel too stiff anymore after lessons but I know that more exercise would do me good. So any advice gratefully recieved!

Judith
26th Oct 1999, 08:45 PM
Try again. My last post didn't get through. I'm sure you're right. I used to swim very regularly and then got out of the habit, during which time I took up riding. Recently I started swimming again a couple of times a week and I'm sure it's contributing to feeling more relaxed and less tense on the horse. More in tune with my own body and so more comfortable on the horse's back? The last couple of rides have felt very different.

So you're message has made me think that I'm not imagining this and that while it's good to be fit generally for riding it may be that stretching and relaxing exercise may be the best for a less tense and more positive ride. Very interesting and to be pursued!

CLAUDIA
27th Oct 1999, 05:57 AM
I've heard that martial arts training is very beneficial to riders and other sportspeople. :)

Nancy
28th Oct 1999, 05:22 AM
I do beginning yoga. When I have time I go to class. When time is short I use a tape. Use a tie or strap around your foot to get the most out of the leg stretches. Never bounce a move, just be patient and it will get easier every time.
Happy trails,
Nancy

Kati
9th Nov 1999, 11:46 PM
Hi fran!
I'm sorry I didn't answer your question until now, but haven't been online for a while...
I think the best way to find good stretching
movements is to look at some basic books etc.
on the topic - try to look for some in your
local library! Or go and have an aerobic lesson or something like that (Nancy suggested yoga, sounds good). That way you
learn to do the movements right from the beginning and find the ones that are suitable for you. It's quite simple, after all -
just do movements that you feel are stretching your muscles but NOT hurting.
And always remember to warm your muscles up before stretching...Good luck!