Stiffness as a Rider

[Jigglipuff]

stiffness?

[Sku]

Yoga and pilates are great for loosening muscles. Any kind of daily stretching will help quite a bit. If you google for stretches, or floor stretches, you'll find a lot.

[saultgirl]

I have the same problem. My trainer suggested I try riding to music, because I get over-focused and this causes tension.

[Jigglipuff]

I have the same problem. My trainer suggested I try riding to music, because I get over-focused and this causes tension.

Like an ipod?

[Rhyadawn]

Take a yoga class. Learn how to meditate, how to consciously relax yourself. When you can do this on the ground you can do this in the saddle

[Simkie]

I went to physical therapy for a back injury and it helped my riding IMMENSELY. I also had tension issues, along with unevenness and a locked lower back. The physical therapist was able to evaluate where I was weak and where I was tight and gave me specific exercises for those problems. I'm floored with the difference in my riding.

[kellidahorsegirl]

I sing to myself OUT LOUD and develop a rhythm.......when you can focus on something else instead of "trying too hard" you can really feel yourself loosen up and not realize you were doing it.

[billiebob]

It sounds like you probably try too hard. I second the riding to music or singing. Singing will also get you in great aerobic shape, btw. Do you ever get to just "play" on your horse or do you always school or lesson him? It helps me when I get into stiff mode if I just goof off for a ride or two. Like go for a hand gallop or ride bareback or anything stress relieving.

[saultgirl]

I don't have an ipod, but we have a stereo in the arena anyways. I rode again last night but I forgot to turn it on again. Another thing my trainer said, is that she thinks its because i just want it soooo badly (for my horse to be perfect!) that I try too hard and that causes tension.

[KayBee]

Keeping your elbows soft means that your arms have to move freely in your shoulder sockets.

I worked so hard to keep my elbows bent at my sides (rather than riding straight-armed) that my elbows became "locked" at my side. But the "locked" effect came from stiffening my shoulders. It didn't work to be told "soft elbows" because my elbow joints weren't the only source of the problem.

This summer, I went to Vershire eventing camp this summer and I got reprimanded a LOT about elbows.

They had us do exercises in the saddle at both the walk and trot:


Arm circles: You can alternate by keeping the reins in one hand and swing the other. I was told only to make backward circles, never forward.
Then, reins in both hands, roll your shoulders, keeping your elbows bent.
Then, with the reins in both hands, swing your arms forward and back from the shoulder. Your elbows should go from being bent (at your side), to almost straight (extended in front of you), then backwards past your midsection (your hands should travel backwards and almost touch your hips). They had us REALLY SWING, so when you initially try this, try it on a horse that will go forward on a loose rein.


Now, when I work at the walk or the posting trot, I try to make sure that my elbows are moving softly forward and back. At the sitting trot (the bane of my existence) I seriously struggle with not locking up, not just in my shoulder sockets but all across my upper back (shoulder sockets, neck, shoulder blades).

So at the sitting trot, I try to imagine water flowing over my shoulders and down my back. Not saying it works entirely :lol:, but it seems to help.

[Woodland]

When you ride picture your insides being made of jello. Think of it wiggling and jiggling inside your skin moving with the motion of your horse. Make the effort to spend time walking your horse and closing your eyes and allowing your "jello" to follow the movement with your horse. Stiff riders make riding a left brain exercise - when it is a right brain exercise. Teach your brain creatively and your riding will change. Please read my friend and mentor Sally Swift's book "Centered Riding" it will change you forever!

[DairyQueen2049]

Hmm assumed this would be a Stiffen Peters thread.

My bad!!:lol: :lol:

[BramblewoodAcres]

I was going to suggest the Jell-o visualization, but Woodland beat me too it. :)

A trick I learned to help me really loosen up my arms, neck and shoulders is to sit in the saddle (at a halt) and tighten everything up as much as possible, really squeezing every muscle as hard as I can. Then, just relax it all and imagine the Jell-o body with a couple of long, deep exhalations. Every time I start getting tight, I repeat the exercise. I've found I'm having to repeat the exercise much less often as my body is learning to be enjoy being in a more relaxed state.

[Trevelyan96]

Take a yoga class. Learn how to meditate, how to consciously relax yourself. When you can do this on the ground you can do this in the saddle

Ahhh, personally, I HATE yoga. Tired it for a year, and I admire anyone who can do it, but I seem to do better with Pilates. Maybe its my adult ADD?

[medical mike]

Other random thoughts............
You did not specify so I'll ask..........Is the disc injury in the neck or low back?
How long have you been riding for?
Did you have this stiffness problem before injuring the disc?
Do you have this stiffness off the horse, with other activities?

IS the end result that you curl the reins? Elbows go behind the plane of the body?

Any chance you could put a pic or series up?

REgards,
Medical Mike
equestrian medical researcher
www.fitfocusedforward.us

[FancyFree]

Do you stretch before you ride? I have to stretch out every morning or I am noticeably stiff for the rest of the day. I work on the floor and also with a stability ball.

[medical mike]

so a bit of a description would be great.

PM me with your email. Easiest way to send pics and get best solution to your situation.

REgards,
Medical Mike
equestrian medical researcher
www.fitfocusedforward.us

[SarahandSam]

My trainer made me sing, constantly. Usually the ABCs, "Mary Had A Little Lamb," etc., things I didn't have to pay attention to. It was especially helpful to have some longe line lessons where I could just focus on relaxing and loosening up and getting more comfortable without the tenseness.

[equest]

When you ride picture your insides being made of jello. Think of it wiggling and jiggling inside your skin moving with the motion of your horse. Make the effort to spend time walking your horse and closing your eyes and allowing your "jello" to follow the movement with your horse. Stiff riders make riding a left brain exercise - when it is a right brain exercise. Teach your brain creatively and your riding will change. Please read my friend and mentor Sally Swift's book "Centered Riding" it will change you forever!

I second this suggestion - the mental pictures in Centered Riding are so helpful. :)