When you’ve been riding as little as I have recently, it is probably fairly ambitious to take a lesson with Bettina Hoy. But I can never resist a challenge and was prepared for plenty of criticism, however constructive!
Straight away Bettina pointed out some of the problems in my posture which were hampering me and my horse. None of these came as any surprise to me and definitely need to be worked on; maybe what is more surprising is how easy they are to address. Bettina’s very simple explanation of rider posture problems and how to address them are not earth shattering but can probably help 95% of riders, especially those who ride less frequently or don’t often have help from the ground.
On the second day watching Bettina teach, as opposed to being taught myself, I was relieved to find that these problems seemed to be similar in several riders of varying levels although Bettina offered tailored solutions for each specific rider. She pointed out that, as a visiting coach, she can only assess the horse and rider as she sees them in front of her that day and from that will try and work on the thing that she feels is the top priority to try and improve
When you see Bettina ride it really is hammered home how the rider’s position is so influential. With the correct riding position you are able to brace, release, soften, engage your seat and lower back and, when all is going swimmingly, just sit and let the horse carry you without interference
Regardless of where the horse is in his stride pattern, Bettina's position stays solid and correct
So what are the magic words? As I say, nothing earth shattering, but I’ve used them since the clinic and it definitely helps to be reminded
- Core stability; comes from your torso. Although exercises off the horse can really help improve this overall, Bettina suggests of thinking about zipping up your tight jeans or jodhpurs when on your horse. You automatically contract your stomach muscles (careful not to lift your shoulders) and round the back slightly. Mirrors obviously help to check your position but Bettina hopped on a milk crate to demonstrate how my hollow back looks on a horse (not great for the ego but true…..!)
- Keep your elbows by your side. This is Pony Club 101 but how many of us forget and end up with our elbows flapping around and providing inconsistent contact? Especially at those times when we need to ensure that we have that good feel on the outside rein, simply think of your elbow touching the side of your shirt whilst trying to stay elastic through the elbow joint. Simple but effective
- Feeling a little stiff when you first get on? Try some stretching exercises at the halt on your horse. Simply raise each arm and stretch each side up, then touch each hand to the opposite ankle a few times (the cross over exercises help not only to stretch but also to centre you). Round your back then hollow it a few times. Lift your shoulders up then drop them several times (the dropped position is where you want them to stay when riding – keep checking to see if they are lifting)
- For riders who tend to hollow their back or lean forward, think about leaning against the back of a sofa. Keep that position on your horse as if you had something supporting you there
- You communicate with your horse’s mouth through your fingers. Use your fingers to talk in a quiet way with your horse “Not shouting, whispering"
- Legs – “I have no problem with a Pony Club kick. Do it then stop. Don’t nag and squeeze” says Bettina. One rider admitted “I’m turning into my mum, I nag him so much” and Bettina asked “And how did you react when your mum nagged you?” Point taken.
- Your legs are not to hold your horse in a vice-like grip. Your legs should be in quiet contact with the horse’s side but not gripping; take your knee off the saddle and have your lower leg as the contact point
- Think of having long legs with the weight under the ball of the stirrup and, if need be, push down into the stirrups to check you are not lifting and gripping with the leg. The exercise mentioned earlier about touching your opposite ankle helps put weight into your stirrups too.
Of course it helps to have a nice active horse underneath you so you don’t have to keep using your leg. Bettina used a walk pirouette exercise to get my horse much more active which really helped – more about that next time
To watch our video interview with Bettina CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE To read Bettina Hoy - Using the Walk Pirouette
