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Re: [RC] Rider weight / rounded back, exercises and training. - Becky Huffman----- Original Message ----- From: Adam and Jannelle <mfarm@xxxxxxx I'd love to hear some how-tos on helping the horse with the heavy rider. <snipped>> Great suggestion, Becky.Jannelle Hi Jannelle, for a couple of simple starters, I like to do a few things from the ground. These are easy to do each day while you groom or feed and will help the horse in the right direction. first are 'belly lifts', if you scratch the horse on the midline of their belly, behind the girth and get them to arch their back up, that is basically the same of a person doing crunches. You may have to teach them by running your fingernails down their 'seam' from the girth area back, or even (gently) use a hoofpick to get them started. If they kick or act evasive instead of lifting their back, I'd suggest a having a chiro look at them. Same thing with butt scrunches. I stand behind the horse and put my thumbs under the tailhead slightly down and to each side and 'pinch' between my thumb and pointer finger on the round part of their butt. they should tuck their tail, butt down and back up. (these are *great* exercises for babies, BTW, and seems to give them a real headstart when they're ready to be saddled) When I'm riding, I try to remember that "it's not about the head". of course, the horse is all connected, but you need to have the back rounded -or all that training focused on getting the head in place will end up with a horse that's behind the bit, muscled upside down on the neck and hollow-backed. Once your horse is comfortable with the belly lifts and butt scrunches, you should be able to lift his back from in the saddle with your calf/heels lifting with a bit of pressure. (thighs should be *loose* - you can't do this if you're gripping with your thighs). Generally, when I'm starting a young horse, I like to use blunt tipped spurs so they have a clearer communication. start easy with them. when you're riding along the flat, ask for a rounded back and praise them when you get it for a few steps. Wait a few strides and ask again. Gradually increase what you're asking for in time and distance, -also include circles, and inclines, -again starting gently and increasing over time. it's always fun to see the light bulb go on when that baby realizes how much easier it is to go up or down hill using their hindquarters !! Hope this helps. Becky Huffman, Cleburne, Texas www.TheOriginalSeries.com "Of the long years of peace ... there is little tale." JRR Tolkien, The Silmarillion =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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