Among equestrians, it’s common to hear instructors give riders instructions that, at first glance, seem essential for good posture: “Straighten your back,” “heels down,” “shoulders back,” “don’t move in the saddle.” These phrases have been repeated for generations, and although they have good intentions, they can sometimes lead to a misunderstanding of body alignment in riding.
The Myth of Static Posture
Instructions like “straighten your back” seem useful for maintaining good posture, but they often lead riders to tense their spine and block the body’s natural movement. When we force rigid alignment, we can limit the body’s ability to move fluidly and adaptively, which is essential for following the horse’s motion. The spine, for example, needs to rotate and adapt to the forces generated while riding. If we restrict this natural rotation, we not only compromise our comfort but can also interfere with the horse’s ability to move freely.
Dynamic Alignment
Alignment is a dynamic process, not a fixed position. When we ride, our bodies constantly adjust, responding to the forces acting on us and the horse. This means that instead of maintaining a “perfect position,” we should be mindful of how our bodies can move in harmony with the horse.
Instead of simply dropping the heels, a rider might think about how the energy flows from the center of their body down to their feet, allowing the heels to drop naturally and flexibly. This approach improves shock absorption and allows lighter and more sensitive contact with the horse.
Teaching Movement, Not Posture
As instructors or riders looking to improve, it’s important to reconsider traditional instructions that focus on static positions.
Encouraging riders to explore movement within alignment—for example, feeling how the horse’s movement affects the pelvis and spine—can be much more effective than insisting on maintaining a rigid posture. This approach enhances the rider’s experience and promotes freer and more expressive movement in the horse.
Alignment is a continuous process that requires flexibility, adaptation, and a deep connection with our body and the horse. By shifting our perspective and teaching alignment as a dynamic movement, we can help riders develop greater sensitivity and harmony with their horses.
Ultimately, riding is not about achieving a “perfect position” but finding a natural flow where rider and horse move. By understanding and applying the concept of dynamic alignment, we can take a step closer to this ideal.
Ale
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