Improving Your Horse’s Balance – Day 14 Being A Better Rider Challenge
When we work on having better balance, our horse’s need to be balanced too. So that is what day #14 is about. Today we are going to work on improving your horse’s balance.
Just like we the rider needing to have balance and control of our body, so does our horse. And our horses are at a disadvantage. Not only are they carrying their own weight, but they are also charged with carrying the weight of the rider. And as the rider, you use techniques that hinder him rather then help him, it can make it very difficult for your horse. Experience of a good balanced rider, and muscle fitness will help the horse both mentally and physically to help him improve his own balance.
Help Yourself First
Can you see why we focused on our own balance first? This way we have a tool that will in turn help our horses.
Although some horses have a natural downhill conformation or poor balance, the more likely culprit of the problem is the rider. A horse who is poorly balanced will feel heavy on the forehand. It will feel as though the horse is being heavy on the reins and bearing all of his weight into your hands.
How To Balance Your Horse
The easiest way to get your horse lighter on the forehand is to make it so the bit (or bitless noseband if you are riding bitless) is too unstable for him to rely on. The bit is a tool, and from what I have experienced, the horse does not really enjoy that piece of steel in his mouth. So the idea is to make it uncomfortable for him to lean against.
This way he has to learn how to balance himself rather than relying on the bit (and you).
One way to do this is to squeeze firmly on one rein while releasing with the other. For example, squeeze the left rein while the left shoulder is coming back, and release the right rein a little when the right shoulder is moving forward.
This should increase the more forward and lighter feel that you are hoping to achieve.
Be careful not to ‘see-saw’ the reins or pull back and forth.
By doing this exercise, your horse will learn that he has to carry his own weight and balance himself.
Getting The Balanced Horse To Move Forward
To get your horse to engage his hindquarters and propel himself forward, the rider needs to use firm tapping aids with the inside leg just behind the girth. But you also need to maintain contact on the outside rein while giving and taking with the inside rein.
If your inside leg alone is not enough to work, use both legs intermittently with a firm and upward squeeze movement.
This should encourage your horse to raise his back and tilt his hindquarters underneath him. If your horse is lazy or stubborn, and ignores this, you may need to give him a quick flick of a schooling whip that your legs are not to be ignored. Remember pressure and release. You want to make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult.
Perfect Practice Makes Perfect
Getting your horse to be a well balanced mount will not happen overnight. However, with practice and repetition, he will become more balanced and so will you. If you keep at it and practice you will find that your horse is a joy to ride and you will reignite the passion you have for riding. You will really see this, especially if you practice!
Previous Days In Being A Better Rider Challenge
If you found this challenge online and wanted to learn more, or read more check out the links below. It might get you motivated to get started with your very own challenge. And you too can be a better rider.
The 31 Day Riding Challenge Day 10
The 31 Day Riding Challenge Day 11
The 31 Day Riding Challenge Day 12
The 31 Day Riding Challenge Day 13
