The Rider's Shoulders

You really need to realise the HUGE affect the rider's shoulders have on the performance of the horse.  And, the SLIGHTEST changes in the rider makes a huge difference.

1. Here's a great tip to improve your torso posture, which supports your shoulders....Imagine where your "bra clip" would be at the back of your spine...and simply lift that OFF the back of the chair, just an inch or so and hold it there.   It's when we slump, and our belly button "disappears" that we're round shouldered and have bad posture. 
   I lift my spine off the car seat all the time when I'm driving to clinics.  It's especially brilliant in the car!

2. SPIT!   (OK just pretend).   If there's one way to "control your shoulder's" it's to pretend to spit!   It's very hard to spit in one direction, and have your shoulders going in the other!
   
   So, if you want to do a smaller cicle and your horse won't turn...spit on his inside hind foot.  
   
   And, the opposite...if the horse falls in on the circle...spit on the outside ear...we're only pretend now....but it does work!