Hunter Jumper's Help Me!

[StellaMango_]

My trainer tells me alot that my body is twisted very badly when I ride my horse Leggo. Tho Leggo wasn't twisting me my habit has taken effect on him. You know how your slightly supposed to have you horses's head bent to the inside. Well my twisting habit has caused him to bend very badly on the outside rein. We believe it's from the previous horse I rode because he had a twisted ride.
I don't have scoliousous because they tested us in school and it was confirmed negitive. But it's so bad that I can't tell when I'm twisted. My trainer tells me I'm very stiff on a horse to. As much as i think of Jello and moving and giving with the horse my body is like a board even tho it feels like I'm moving with the horse. Can some one please help me with some tips or tricks? This would be very much appreciated!

[Bushidog]

Well... about the moving you body with your horse, somtimes the best way to lose those habits of sitting stiffly is to do bad on purpose. try slouching in the saddle, rolling your shoulders (to help loosen up)... your body should naturally become looser when you loose the tenseness of trying to sit in proper form, ya know? Of course don't do this in a show or anything... But I used to have the same exact problem and doing that really helped me move with Mouse better. Also try pumping you hands a bit (but slightly), moving them horizontally with a trot or canter. this can also help. Again don't move your hands to obviously in a show or anything but this might help you to loosen up a bit.

And about the twisting problem... next time you ride, twist as far as you can from the side you usually twist on. For instance if you twist to the left, turn your hips and shoulders to the right, and vice versa. Also try putting most of your body weight on the oppisite seat bone... again say you twist to the left put your weight on your right seatbone.

Hope this helped a bit
~bushi

[efrocks101]

You do have a twisted body. i have seen you ride. maybe at dinner or something sit up straight. i dont know if that will help but you could try it!!!!!!!