There have been SO many times when I've wanted to ride...
and couldn't.
Lame horse.
Weather.
No horse available.
Life.
And while nothing completely replaces actually sitting on a horse, there is a surprising amount of riding we can improve without ever putting our foot in a stirrup.
In fact...
Some of the things I've worked on OFF the horse have made a huge difference when I got back ON the horse.
And no...
You do not need one of those adorable mechanical horses the jockeys ride in the jockey room.
Although I still want one.
I'd probably get bucked off it. 😂
Work on the Rider Before You Ride
We spend so much time working on our horses.
We want them supple.
Balanced right and left.
Strong.
Flexible.
Responsive.
Then we climb aboard...
stiff on one side, stronger on the other, and wondering why our horse isn't perfectly balanced.
🤣
Our bodies are part of the ride too.
So when you can't ride, work on the part of the partnership you do have available.
You.
1. Discover Your Right and Left
This has become one of my favorite things to work on.
Horses have a stiffer side.
So do we.
Start noticing which hand you automatically use.
Which leg is stronger?
Which direction is easier to turn?
Which foot do you balance on?
Which side do you use to carry the feed bucket?
Then get creative.
I've held something as tiny as a dime in one hand so I'd have to use the other.
I've even used horse splint boots to restrict one hand and make myself use the other one more.
The goal isn't perfection.
It's awareness...
and then practice.
If I'm going to ask my horse to become better right and left, I figure I should probably work on the rider too.
2. Ride the Bouncing Ball
I call this one...
Bouncing Ball.
Use a large exercise ball that allows you to sit comfortably and securely with your feet planted on the floor.
Then start noticing your riding position.
Where are your seat bones?
Are you collapsing to one side?
Can you gently move your pelvis without your shoulders coming along for the ride?
Can you find the rhythm of a walk?
You can experiment with small, controlled movements that mimic some of the motion you feel in the saddle.
And suddenly you may discover...
"OH. That's my stiff side."
The ball isn't your horse.
But it can be a fun way to become much more aware of what your body is doing.
And trust me...
your horse already knows.
3. Find Your Riding Position Without Riding
You don't need a horse underneath you to practice body awareness.
Stand with your feet about riding-width apart.
Soften your knees.
Find your balance.
Notice whether your weight is equal right and left.
Can you move your hips without bracing your shoulders?
Can you keep your upper body tall without becoming stiff?
Can you breathe while you're doing all of it?
That last one sounds ridiculous...
until you realize you've been holding your breath for 30 seconds. 😂
These little moments of awareness matter when you get back in the saddle.
4. Get in Your Saddle
If you have a secure, properly supported saddle stand, get in your saddle.
This one can feel surprisingly strange because there's no horse underneath you.
But that's also what makes it useful.
Feel where you naturally sit.
Check your leg position.
Notice whether one hip feels tighter.
Practice holding the reins.
Move your hands independently.
Close your eyes for a moment and feel your position.
You can even mentally ride.
Picture the turn.
Feel yourself pick up the rein.
Imagine your horse responding.
You're practicing the rider without asking the horse to carry you while you figure everything out.
5. Work on Flexibility, Balance and Strength
You don't need an elaborate fitness program.
You need a body that can comfortably do the things you're asking it to do.
Can you stand on one foot?
Can you move your hips comfortably?
Can you turn your upper body both directions?
Can you get up and down easily?
Can you carry something on your weaker side?
Can you move without everything feeling like an old rusty gate?
Little improvements matter.
A little more balance.
A little more flexibility.
A little more strength.
A little more energy.
Because confidence isn't only happening between your ears.
When your body feels more capable, riding can feel easier too.
6. Ride in Your Head
Your horse doesn't even need to be there for this one.
Sit somewhere quiet and mentally ride.
Not the ride where everything goes horribly wrong.
We anxious riders are already REALLY good at practicing that one. 😂
Practice the ride you want.
Feel yourself walking to your horse.
Grooming.
Tacking up.
Getting on.
Breathing.
Picking up the reins.
Walking away calmly.
Feel the rhythm.
Feel your body moving.
Feel yourself responding instead of reacting.
Your mind gets practice too.
You Can Become a Better Rider Between Rides
We tend to think becoming a better rider only happens when we're sitting on a horse.
I don't believe that anymore.
Every time you improve your balance...
your flexibility...
your body awareness...
your right and left...
your strength...
or even the way you think about riding...
you're working on your riding.
And the best part?
The next time you get on your horse, you get to bring that improved rider with you.
Your horse isn't the only athlete in this partnership.
You are too.
If you'd like to feel stronger, more balanced, more flexible and more comfortable in the saddle, you can learn more about the Healthy Rider Reset™ and join the waitlist.
Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your riding...
is work on the rider.
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