| Whether you are an experienced rider or a complete | | | | Turn your hands so your thumbs are facing upwards. |
| beginner there are simple exercises that can help | | | | Shoulder Shrug - For establishing correct shoulder |
| improve and maintain a comfortable and correct riding | | | | position |
| posture when in the saddle. By practicing these in the | | | | -With the reins knotted so they will not dangle low |
| saddle it will also help you feel more comfortable and | | | | around the horse's neck, drop your arms down by |
| at home there, brilliant if you are an inexperienced and | | | | your side and slowly lift your arm from your shoulder, |
| or nervous rider. | | | | up - back - and down. This is the optimum position for |
| These exercises are best practiced on a quiet horse, | | | | your shoulders. Do this a few times until you become |
| on a lunge, with the help of an experienced horse | | | | used to where your shoulders finally rest. |
| person that will control the horse, enabling you to | | | | Leg Loosening - For leg positioning |
| concentrate solely on the exercise at hand. These are | | | | -Have your helper gently place their hand under the |
| best practiced in walk first before proceeding to trot | | | | back of your your thigh; release your hip joint and allow |
| when ready. | | | | the helper to move your leg back slightly whist bringing |
| Toe Circling -For relaxing your ankles | | | | their hand towards themselves. This flattens your leg |
| -With the reins knotted so they will not dangle low | | | | onto the side of the horse. All you need to do is remain |
| around the horse's neck and stirrups crossed over the | | | | relaxed and become used to the slightly wider leg |
| horses neck; hold on to the pommel of the saddle then | | | | position. Remembering where your leg is and how it |
| begin slowly circling your toes only. Be sure to keep | | | | feels can enable you to correct your leg position |
| your upper body still and not grip with your knees or | | | | yourself if it slides forward. This exercise will also help |
| hips. | | | | to bring your seat under yourself, making any aids |
| Carrying Cups -For establishing correct arm position | | | | given using your seat more effective and allowing you |
| -With the reins knotted so they will not dangle low | | | | more movement through your hips and lower back. |
| around the horse's neck, relax your shoulders down | | | | Practice makes perfect so if the positions you find |
| with your arms relaxing naturally by your sides. Raise | | | | yourself in feel unusual or uncomfortable keep trying, |
| your lower arm until your wrist is in line with your | | | | you will become accustomed to this new positioning. |
| elbow. Remember to keep the weight pushing down | | | | These are some simple procedures that will help you |
| into your elbows so you're using your elbows to | | | | develop balance, stability and a more effective riding |
| support your lower arm, not tensing your upper arm. | | | | technique. |