Posted by Katie There are a few issues that need to be addressed here, for you to be able to ride properly without stirrups. Lacking confidence, or even having fear, is common amongst riders who have fallen off their horse. While it might not be of much help, you should know that everyone - even world class riders - have tumbled from their mounts. It can be a minor incident, or a big blow-up, but every rider will experience it at one time or another. Your coach (and I strongly recommend you get one, if you don't have one already) should go over the incident with you and try to figure out what happened. Did you horse try to launch you to the moon? If yes, then why? Was he too fresh, scared, or what? If not, maybe you simply lost your balance. Every situation is different. Whatever the case, you'll know exactly what happened and hopefully be able to avoid, or diffuse, the situation before it escalates again. It may mean turning the horse out for some extra playtime to work off excess energy, or concentrating more on certain aspects of your riding. Riding properly without stirrups is not as simple as hopping on, letting your legs dangle and trotting or cantering circles until you're dizzy. Careful attention must be paid to your riding position - especially without stirrups - as done incorrectly, this can lead to even more position problems then what's originally trying to be fixed (if any). Riders who are nervous, or new, to riding without stirrups tend to hang onto the reins for balance and support, and excessively grip onto the horse with their legs. The result is a horse who resists the bit and gets antsy, and a rider who almost squeezes themselves right off top of the horse. Ideally the horse you ride without stirrups is calm and smooth to sit to. While it's possible to ride a more active horse without stirrups, at least initially, you don't need that much of a challenge. If the horse knows how to be lunged with a rider on its back, all the better. Then you can focus on your riding position without worrying The horse should be outfitted with a neck-strap or pommel strap if possible, for you to hold onto. This lessens - or even eliminates - the chances of you jabbing the horse in the mouth should you become unbalanced. Depending on your coaches preference, you will either cross the stirrups over the front of your saddle, or let them hang loose. While many horses don't mind stirrups clanging against their sides (it is, as a matter of fact, something the horse should be used to anyway) some horses who are more sensitive or nervous would probably be happier with the stirrups crossed. The goal here is not to create a nervous rider who has a vice grip on their horse, but a more balanced rider who follows their horse with a steady, gentle contact. Posting without stirrups can be quite the challenge. Posting high without stirrups (as you mention) only makes the task harder. Ideally, and even with stirrups, one should not post very high at all. Instead of aiming for 'high', try concentrating on keeping an even rhythm with the horse. You should rise just enough to stop from bouncing around. Your legs should remain in the same position as if riding with stirrups (being careful not to grip with your knees and send your lower leg back). Rising only a small amount will be less tiresome on you, and even keep you more secure. When posting the trot while riding bareback, you should keep the same principles in mind (an even grip throughout your leg and heels down as if riding with stirrups) as well as making sure to not post too high. The shape of your horse will also affect how you ride bareback. Some horses are just easier to sit on then others. For example, riding my husbands horse bareback is just as comfortable as sitting on a couch. She's got lower withers and well-sprung ribs, making her easy to sit on. Her gaits are also floaty-smooth. My horse, in contrast, has higher withers and is somewhat slab-sided. Her gaits are also bouncier. Riding a variety of horses will gain you more experience, and in turn, confidence. Take things slow, and always remember the basics, and you'll find yourself progressing in no time. A good riding instructor will push their students slightly out of their confidence zone, but not enough to over-face them. Being challenged is how we all improve. Keep at riding without stirrups and you'll find your seat to be more secure and your balance more honed. And don't fret the falls - they will happen - it's just a part of riding. The better your riding, the less you're likely to tumble. Katie
on 10/8/2007, 12:43 am, in reply to "Posting Without Stirrups"
67.68.33.156
Hi Karen,
The best thing you can do, as long as you and your horse are not hurt, is to climb aboard again. Start off slowly - even just walking around for a bit - to shake off the jitters, so to speak.
about controlling the horse.
Good luck & let us know how it's going!
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