When it comes to finding balance in any profession or life pursuit, there are no easy answers. It takes practice and plenty of self-discipline, especially when new responsibilities are added to the mix. Riding is an activity that can be both physically and mentally challenging. Whether you’re a new rider or an experienced rider looking to improve your skills, there are some helpful tips for staying balanced while riding. Balance is important in all riding disciplines because it helps you maintain control of the horse at all times. It is the first thing you will learn when you begin riding and will continue to be a challenge for the rest of your life.
Listen to your body and mind
During your first riding lesson, your instructor will likely encourage you to listen to your body and mind as you transition between sitting, walking, and trotting. These are common indicators that you may be over- or under-riding. This is where listening to your body and mind can help you stay balanced. If you feel out of balance while sitting or walking your horse, you may be riding too high. If you are feeling too low, you may be riding too close to the horse. Both of these situations can be addressed by adjusting your position on the horse. If you feel like you are out of balance because you are struggling with your balance, you may be riding too high or too close. If you find yourself needing to adjust your position frequently, it may be a good idea to take a break from riding. This can help you regain your balance before continuing with the rest of your ride.
Establish a consistent and relaxing warm-up routine
Before you even get on your horse, you should have a warm-up routine that will help you get your body and mind ready for the day ahead. A warm-up routine should be relaxing, consistent, and short enough that you can complete it before your ride begins. This can help you avoid an anxious or rushed warm-up. It’s also important that you do not do your warm-up in the ring with your horse. Doing so can be dangerous and can disrupt your horse’s training or your own. A warm-up should be done at the barn or in a nearby field, and should be performed on the ground, not on the horse.
Take care of your horse
While it is important to take care of yourself as a rider, it is also important to take care of your horse. This means providing your horse with consistent and high-quality feed and supplies, and taking good care of him or her during the rest of the day. This can include providing your horse with plenty of water, avoiding over-grooming, and providing him or her with regular time to rest and relax. Careful attention to your horse’s needs can help keep him or her relaxed, happy, and in good health. This will likely lead to a more balanced rider as well. You should also avoid using harsh or aggressive riding equipment on your horse. This can lead to an imbalanced rider, as well as an unbalanced horse.
Find your rhythm and flow
You may also want to consider how you are flowing with the horse, which can help you stay balanced while riding. If you are rocking in the saddle with your horse, you may be riding too high. If your horse is rocking, you may be riding too low. You may also want to consider how you are moving with the horse. If you are moving with your horse’s movements, you may be riding too close. If you are moving away from your horse’s movements, you may be riding too far away. Finally, it is important to consider your position on the horse. If you are sitting too high or too close, you may be riding too high or too close.
Stick to a consistent and balanced riding schedule
A consistent and balanced riding schedule will help keep your body and mind balanced, as well as provide you with the consistency you need to progress as a rider. A balanced riding schedule will help you avoid overexposure to the elements, and will likely help you avoid injuries. It is also likely to help you become a more balanced rider overall. This can include choosing the right times of day to ride, as well as the types of riding you do. It can also help to choose the right riding location, and use the appropriate safety gear. Finally, it is important to follow an appropriate diet while riding. This can help you stay hydrated, as well as provide a source of energy and nutrients. This can help you stay balanced while riding, as well as help you avoid weight gain and other health issues related to poor diet.
Bottom line
Riding can be a challenging and rewarding hobby, but there are some helpful tips for staying balanced while riding. Balance is important in all riding disciplines because it helps you maintain control of the horse at all times. When you are riding, it is important to listen to your body and mind, as well as establish a consistent and relaxing warm-up routine, take care of your horse, and find your rhythm and flow. Staying balanced while riding is important for your own safety, as well as the safety of your horse. It can also help you stay hydrated and avoid injuries while riding.