Which shoulder is higher - which is lower?
We all have
one shoulder a bit lower than the other. We all have a
little bit more weight in one foot when we stand on two bathroom scales.
But when one shoulder is lower, it is putting more weight down that side
of the horse.
The Some
biomechanical tests can be highly complicated involving psi measurement
equipment measuring the exact weight distribution, or the most advanced
computer analysis of the most minute detail of the athlete's movement &
balance.
However, this
has to be one of the most simple, and yet will change the rider's
position right down to the tip of their toes.
If you carry
your handbag or backpack over your LEFT shoulder normally, then your
RIGHT foot will probably point out more! This is a disaster for
straightness, and probably explains why you might be getting different
marks in your half pass to the right than the left!
One foot
starts to point out because it stops you continuing to 'fall' in that
direction. If the toe didn't point out on that side, and you kept
leaning...you'd fall off.
Scales don't lie!
Q.
Go
into a store and get two bathroom scales (you don't have to buy
them...your just 'trying them out'). Is one scale showing
lighter? Is that the scale on the same side you carry your
bag?
Q.
Can
you start carrying your bag over the other shoulder?
Even the
slightest deviation will make the horse crooked on straight lines,
or will make the horse 'open' one front leg while jumping.
Copyright © 2005
[Colleen Kelly. Improve Your Riding ABN 76799531257].
