Sore hips after riding?

[Scarlett 001]

I have not ridden in about 5 months. I've *not* been stretching during this time (very silly of me) but I have done loads of running about long reining.

Anyhow, my new saddle arrived and I've been doing lots of work at the walk. I have noticed that Skeeter is really swinging in the new saddle, and my hips are swaying way more than they used to. Plus my leg position is much better now (although quite different) - I can finally work on using the inside of my calf properly. The saddle feels comfortable. But each time I have ridden this first week back at riding (just at walk), my hips and some muscles in my upper bum (around the two bones on either side of the upper bum - are those part of the pelvis?) become quite sore in bed overnight and I wake up really quite sore/stiff (it is sore when I bend in a certain direction). I generally am tight/tense through that whole area and am not overly flexible, so maybe this is to be expected.

Are sore hips/bum muscles not too uncommon or odd to get after such a long break riding? It is just that usually I am more prone to sore thighs/lower back, not sore hips. The new saddle was custom-made to my measurements (as well as Skeeter's) and it feels comfortable...

[stormy's mum]

it might be because you took a long break from riding i know mine are sore after i ride but then again i have had hip surgery so that might be why you could try sitiing with your legs just dangling for abit when you ride

[teabiscuit]

sounds like the new saddle is putting you in a different position so new muscles and ligaments will be used, so soreness and stiffness is to be expected it hink.
my new saddle made me sit tall and as a result my lower back and thighs complained for a while :)

[capalldubh]

I think I was in the same situation about a month ago - no riding since April :( After starting back - very slow work because horse was unfit - my hips were agony. Before, it had always been thighs that hurt, but suddenly the bit you describe - if you put your hands on your hips it's about where your thumb rests - was very painful, and muscles mainly just to the right of my coccyx (sp?) in my bum very sore and nervy.

I did lots of stretches lying on my back with knees up, then dropping both knees slowly to each side - I'm not describing it very well but it sort of twists you a bit. I also did lots of little "straighten up" exercises sitting, where you pull in your tummy and slightly over-arch your back, then relax (repeat endlessly ;) ).

My back doesn't hurt any more, thank goodness. I don't know if it was the stretches or if I just worked through it.

I put it down to returning to riding after a long break while actually knowing a bit more about what I should be doing. Before, when I took a break, I wasn't a great rider, didn't have very good position, so I was more dependent on the desperate knee-grip. This time, I know more about balance and sit deeper, so I think I put stress on different muscles. Just an idea, though, no better explanation, I'm afraid :)

[rowdent]

After a 15 year gap, and then lessons, my hips ached too.. I thought it was just me as I suffer from lower back problems.. and it was just where you say.. but subsequent lessons, hacks and regular riding again, and the problem seems to have gone away..(fingers crossed) I suspect I was just stiff.. hope this is the case with you too, and you ease up soon, cos it hurts doesn't it?