Things You'll Need:
- A horse
- saddle and bridle
- helmet
- commitment
- application
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Step 1
To ride well you must develop an independent seat. To do this you must be able to move your legs, arms and head independently of each other and of your torso. To do this you need to do exercises. This will help you to ride better and more easily. Exercises also help to correct faults in your riding.
Initially you may retain your stirrups, but you should learn to do the exercises without them, both at the walk and the trot, to get the full benefit. Cross the stirrups over the horses neck in front of the saddle. Make a slightly off centre knot in the reins and hang them on the mane. At first you can do these exercises in the walk and progress to doing them at a slow trot. You can combine exercises as you become more confident. Make sure the movements are done in isolation from the rest of your body, which should retain the correct position as you move through the exercises. Do not overdo the exercises and become tired because then you might do them incorrectly and defeat the purpose. -
Step 2
Start with some head rolls: forward, back, left and right, then roll your head all the way round in both directions. Only your head should move, while your arms, legs or torso stay quite still and relaxed.
Circle each arm backwards and forwards, making sure that the rest of your body is still and relaxed.
Stretch your arms out parallel to the ground and turn to the left and the right to look over your shoulder making sure that your hips, seat and legs stay still. Put your hands on your hips and repeat the exercise. -
Step 3
Start this next exercise by raising one knee at a time to the withers. Keep your upper body quiet and straight and your arms hanging loosely at your sides. Next raise both knees together to the withers. Finally, while your knees are raised bring your head down to your knees.
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Step 4
Raise one leg and swing it over the horses neck taking care not to touch the horse. Lay the leg so that the knee is on the crest and the foot against the horse's shoulder. Make sure to keep the other leg in its correct position. Repeat with the other leg.
In this next exercise you roll your thighs one at a time. Bring your leg away from the saddle and roll it in the hip joint towards the saddle, then push your knee firmly along the saddle. You may hold onto the saddle with the hand on the same side as the thigh you are rolling.
Maintain the normal position in the saddle and roll your feet in a circle from one side to the other and back again being careful to keep the rest of your body still and relaxed. -
Step 5
There are many exercises you can do at home, in the gym and on the ground to strengthen your muscles and develop stamina and suppleness. The balance ball is an excellent aid to strengthening your core and developing the balance needed to ride. Core exercises strengthen your stomach and back muscles and develop the strength to maintain the correct balance on horseback. Exercises that strengthen your gluteus maximus and thighs are also desirable. Also work on strengthening your shoulders and neck muscles. Yoga movements will help you learn to relax and give you fluidity.
