Perfect Posture but It Isn't Relaxed. How can I relax when I ride?

Question

My trainer says my posture is great when I ride but it isn't relaxed and it doesn't look natural. I try hard to relax by breathing at a steady pace and trying to clear my mind or something, but it doesn't work how I want it to. I still get that nasty arch in my back at a trot and at the canter it is worse. I also think that this is causing me to pump a lot at the canter. Any tips on how to help me relax some more when I ride?

Answer 1

dont try tooo hard cos if you try to relax you wont relax. just enjoy it and when you feel comfortable you will relax naturally, i know its hard but its hard to explain, how long u been riding?

Answer 2

When I got comfortable riding with no reins and no stirrups, including over fences, using only seat and legs, I became a much more relaxed rider.  It is scary at first and difficult, but it works.  You will be very strong when you get used to it.  I think the arch in your back and pumping, you speak of is because of lack of using seat and legs, but I could be wrong.  I hope it helps, it is hard work, but results are quick.  You might have to have your horse on a lunge line at first.

Answer 3

Hmm...well, I would ask your trainer to be more specific.  I am fortunate to have excellent dressage and jumping trainers who tell me exactly down to the minute detail what to do..."loosen your seat," "loosen your lower back," etc.  My dressage instructor literally tells me down to exact muscle names and ligaments!  She makes me practice breathing in 3-count, in and out.  She's awesome!  

Some trainers can be a little too general.  If all that he or she is giving you is "you need to relax" and "you don't look natural," that's not good.  Obviously, it's defeated your confidence a little.  So, see if you can get more specifics.  Also, have someone video tape you.  If you see yourself riding, maybe you'll know what he/she is talking about more.  I know that I get in trouble with my dressage trainer for having a stiff seat sometimes.  It's like I get rigid and don't even notice it. As soon as she mentions it, I then relax my lower back and butt to move with the horse.  Now, when you canter, keep your lower back and seat a little loose and allow yourself to move with the horse, but don't push forward with your seat...do not go beyond the horse's movement.

OK..my final suggestion. Get a digital video of yourself walking, trotting, and cantering.  Post it on youtube; then, link it to yahoo answers and ask your question again.  There are a LOT of people on here with a LOT of experience.  For sure you can get lots of helpful and hopefully constructive advice.

Good luck!  I know it can be frustrating sometimes, but it will click into place.  As someone said above, the more you stress yourself out about it and freak, the more rigid and unnatural you'll become.

P.S. - I really reccommend yoga for help with deep breathing into the diaphragm and keeping a flat back/help with posture.  It is also great for stretching out all those muscles you build riding.

Answer 4

Its all well and good someone telling you to relax but its not that easy. I know! Try bach herbal flower remedy, this can help! Also dont think about it too much! Just think floppy!!!! You will get there in the end! The more you worry about it the worse it will get! Also think that if you are stiff on your horse then they will not go as well as they will if your relaxed!! Good Luck !!!! :)

Answer 5

try eating spagehtti with a light salad smothered in dressing

it won't help ur posture but it's good unless you have acid reflux then it just makes u gassy and sometime makes you shart urself