The Rider's Shoulders

19.     TECHNIQUE - What's the actual "rules"

It's important to understand the main rules when it comes to the rider's shoulders:

1. Every jumping coach in the world at one time or another has said "look up", "sit back straight" or "shoulders back"(in one form or another). 

2. For dressage, FEI dressage rule book www.horsesport.org has a thorough description of the rider's shoulders...It says the rider must be "well balanced"..."the upper part of the body easy, free and erect".  Therefore that covers tipping forward, tense shoulders or shoulders that are "out of balance" with one lower or more forward.

   Simply by reading the correct books (or going surfing on a surfboard and realising YOU CANT TURN WITH THE REINS!)   you will improve your shoulders, and your horse's performance.

   If your shoulders face the wrong way on a circle, it straightens the horse, and you'll hear "not enough bend" in dressage, and not be able to turn as smoothly or easily in jumping or performance sports like reining.

It's all very well to have read the books and have the knowledge, but we must REMIND OURSELVES CONSTANTLY that a good position is not just to look good, it has a huge affect on the horse's performance.

Now that we've had a really good look the rider's at shoulders - we're ready for our homework.

Copyright © 2005
[Colleen Kelly. Improve Your Riding ABN 76799531257].

Your shoulders and where you look have a huge affect on the jumping horse.