Author Archives: admin

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Many jumper riders assume that one can never do too much ‘no-stirrup’ work. It is commonly thought that the inner thigh muscles (adductors) are what keep a rider in the middle and on top of the horse, and that the … Continue reading →

Have you ever heard your coach say “step into your right/left stirrup” when you turn, especially after landing off a fence? Have you felt that you step heavier in one stirrup or sit more to one side in the saddle … Continue reading →

Most riders have heard “eyes up”, “look up”, “chin up”, or some other variation of that theme. Riders tend to look down. Why? Because that is where their hands are. Humans are wired to use their eyes to help their … Continue reading →

Everybody wants to exercise to strengthen their core, but realize when they go to bed at night that they didn’t get around to it. Some people throw in a few intense sit-up sessions randomly through the month and others give … Continue reading →

A lower leg that swings, is too far back or jams forward is a common riding problem. The root cause for the lower leg to not correctly ‘wrap around’ the horse’s side is usually the pelvis being tipped too far … Continue reading →

There are many great exercises for riders. There are actually no bad exercises, only good exercises done poorly. I am often asked, “Are squats good” and my reply is always, “Only if they are done correctly”. I say that because … Continue reading →

Riders commonly think that riding is enough to stay fit, especially if they ride a few horses a day. Unfortunately this is not true. Most other sports incorporate cross training into their programs, even at the amateur levels. Why should … Continue reading →

“Pull your shoulders back” is a phrase I often comment on. It accompanies “straighten up’” and “push your chest out.” The image this conjures up is one of elegance, poise and ‘good posture’. That is, if there was no movement … Continue reading →

That darn heel. It just won’t listen to you or your coach. You push it down, forget about it for a few seconds and it pops right back up again! You may also tend to lose a stirrup, have knee … Continue reading →