The balance of your head on your spine has a major influence on your total balance.My hands are guiding Ronald's head in a forward and up direction.
We will work in standing and bending the knees as in ridingHere Ronald has stiffened and hollowed his neck and back - this would create stiffness in the horse's back and unbalance the horse onto the forehand.
We will work in standing and bending the knees as in riding.Here, with hands on guidance, Ronald has maintained an upright pelvis and a strong, connected back which would have enabled his horse to maintain balance and engagement. His neck and head need a little more thought. I need another pair of hands!
We will work in a bend, to learn to strengthen and release your back into length and to become supple in your riding joints of your ankles, knees and hips.Oops! This is why Ronald finds it difficult to balance in Jumping Position.
We will work in a bend, to learn to strengthen and release your back into length and to become supple in your riding joints of your ankles, knees and hips.Here, with guidance, Ronald has maintained a good head, neck, back connection, kept his balance over his feet and bent correctly in his hip, knee and ankle joints.
On the wooden horse I can assess and improve your riding 'position'Ronald's tendency is to tip his pelvis forward, sending his seat bones backwards. In this position his balance is forwards, his back hollow and ineffective. His hip joint is closed and therefore unable to follows his horse's movement and his thigh is tight making it impossible to find contact with his lower leg. Also Ronald's head and neck are dropping forward and down making self-carriage for horse and rider impossible. There is a lot of tension in the muscles of Ronald's seat making it difficult for him to feel the quality of his horse's back and to communicate with his horse through the action of his seat.
In this photo I am working with Ronald to give him the experience of how to release into a balanced, effective riding position, rather than by holding his body in tension.We find his 'down connection.'
In this photo I am working with Ronald to give him the experience of how to release into a balanced, effective riding position, rather than by holding his body in tension.We find his 'up connection'
In this photo I am working with Ronald to give him the experience of how to release into a balanced, effective riding position, rather than by holding his body in tension.We work on releasing tension in in the thigh and buttock muscles
In this photo I am working with Ronald to give him the experience of how to release into a balanced, effective riding position, rather than by holding his body in tension.Arms and shoulders can be released and supported from our backs
So we end up with Ronald in a well balanced, straight riding position. He has established his down connection, with well released hips, he is acquiring self-carriage and is supporting the weight of his arms from his back.
We also work on specific 'Balance Riding Skills'Such as trying to find balance on the balance board
We also work on specific 'Balance Riding Skills'Look no hands!
And on the big ball learning the incorrect! and correct body influence for riding circles, cirles and lateral work.Ronald's 'old way of sitting for a turn or circle actually sent the ball in the opposite direction to the way he wanted to go!
And on the big ball learning the incorrect! and correct body influence for riding circles, cirles and lateral work.Here I am teaching Ronald how to distribute his weight correctly to influence his horse into a correct right bend, whilst maintaining his own balance and remaining upright over the horse.
We will also work in a semi-supine position. The hands on work will allow your back to lengthen and widen, help you to release tension and become more symmetrical.
