Alignment Analysed
Find out more about where to tap your alignment!
Mary Wanless analyses five rider postions and the affect each position has on both rider and horse.
If, by magic, we took your horse out from underneath you, how would you land on the riding arena?
Do let us know below, or even better, post a photo of you on your horse, taken from the side.
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Some times my feet are just a little too forward. I think I would land with most of my weight on my heels then slowly fall backwards. Often my head is cocked forward or when turning in a corner a little tilted to the side. My instructor takes photos and videos at each lesson so I can watch later and see where I am not quite right and what I have to work on. I listen to your podcast on my drive to my lesson.
This is excellent analysis of your alignment. If you imagine you are holding a tennis ball behind your knee that will help you to keep your lower leg more underneath you and keep your weight more down the front of your thighs ( we call this kneeling ). Notice the difference in your horses posture when you achieve this. Ali wakelin. Senior RWYM coach
I know I should land on my feet but at times I would be landing on my bottom
This was taken March 11th. On my 80th. Birthday.
Intend to get round backed but line up pretty well. I will keep working at it as long as I can!
I try to stay in position 4 but find myself tipped into position 1 when tired, when aids fail me or if horse spooks. I know Im doing it (most times) which is a start to stopping doing it but just want to get rid of this “reaction” (apologies no photo)
This probably because your muscles get tired. Try to notice when you start to lose position 4 and walk to give your muscles a rest then go again. This way you only practise the correct muscle memory and gradually build up the strength to hold the correct position for longer. Hope that helps.
I do believe I would land on my feet. My horse looks hollow though.
You certainly would land on your feet ! Your horse is showing a nice relaxed neutral spine rather than a tense,braced hollow posture.
Oh good! Thank you. So excited about moving forward with the program.