Equestriafitness

12/07/2025

Great information about leg length discrepancies. I’ve worked with several riders who were riding with their stirrups at different lengths because they “had a leg length discrepancy”, only to find out through my Rider Symmetry Assessment that they had one hip that was very tight, or weak or both. Rider Symmetry Assessments can really make a difference

Let's talk about leg length.

There are two types of Leg length discrepancies (as we physios call it)

1) Actual leg length discrepancy, only truly measured via radiograph

2) Apparent leg length discrepancy

Either of these will cause asymmetry in the saddle.

Either of these can cause an apparent or mechanical scoliosis.

Either of these can cause a trunk to collapse in the saddle.

Either of these can cause back pain.

What should you do with this information?

Seek out a PT (physio) that works with equestrians.

08/07/2025

06/07/2025

Thigh blocks- what do they really do to the position of the rider?

**NEW RESEARCH PUBLISHED**

A new study “Saddle Thigh Block Design Can Influence Rider and Horse Biomechanics”, published in Animals Open Access

Rachel Murray, Mark Fisher, Vanessa Fairfax and Russell MacKechnie-Guire

Link to read full study: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/13/2127

There is increasing interest in the effect of saddle design on horse kinematics, but little evidence of the influence on rider–saddle interaction and how this affects horse movement patterns.

We aimed to investigate the effect of changing the design of the saddle’s thigh block on the interaction between the rider and saddle and the effect this has on rider movement and horse movement.

To do this, we used a seat pressure mat between the rider and the saddle and tracking technology to analyse horse and rider movement. Elite level sports horses, ridden by elite level riders, were trotted in well-fitting dressage saddles that were identical, except for the thigh block design.

During straight-line locomotion when in sitting trot, results showed that a thigh block with a more deformable face (thigh block F) resulted in a greater contact area and more pressure between the rider’s seat and the saddle as well as a more upright rider position when the horse’s limbs were on the ground. An association between thigh block design, horse spinal movement, and forelimb flexion was also seen. These findings illustrated the importance of optimizing rider–saddle–horse interaction.

02/07/2025

I’m pro mounting block. Decreases pulling damage on your saddle and also decreases injuring your horse.

29/06/2025

29/06/2025

Stop the cycle with a Rider Symmetry Assessment.

The Vicious Circle.

We all understand the importance of maintaining good health, and the same applies to our equine partners.
With the availability of alternative therapies and treatments, our horses are receiving better care than some of their owners/riders.

But, are you undoing the work of your equine body workers?
We often call out chiropractors or massage therapists as a reaction to something - altered gait, muscular tension and improper development, atrophy, etc. But, how often do we consider that the culprit could be the saddle itself?

It's a common occurrence for a body workers to treat their equine patient only to have that same, ill-fitting tack placed back on the horse to undo the treatment.

It is so important for everyone - not just riders, owners and trainers, but also vets, massage therapists, chiropractors and all equine professionals to understand the effects a badly fitted saddle could have to better serve their clients and their four legged patients.

If you were to wear a shoe that gave you blisters, go to the doctor to get the blisters treated, would it make sense to go right back to wearing that shoe?

Too often we only look at the symptom and not the cause, and our horses are the ones who suffer for it.

22/06/2025

Good explanation of the anatomy.

OK so lots of terms get branded about and it all gets rather confusing at times.
So a small article to clarify - your seat, hips, pelvis and seat bones are not the same thing.
‼️ And there is not such a thing as hip bones!

In a very broad sense the area as a whole can be referred to as your “seat”.

👉PELVIS:
This is a basin shaped complex of bones that attach your torso/trunk to your legs. It plays an important part in supporting and balancing the torso. You may already know that a female pelvis is wider than a males for reproductive purposes.

👉SEAT-BONES:
These are actually the bottom of the pelvic girdle. You can often feel these when sitting on some hard ground. It is your seat bones and their covering of muscle/fat and skin that should have equal weight through each side and in contact with your saddle.

👉HIPS:
The hips are not a bone, but it is the actual joint where the long thigh (femur) bone sits/meets into the pelvis. It’s surrounded by many muscles and other tissues. Often we are told to place your hand on your hips, or feel your hip bones – actually what you’re feeling is your pelvis!

Lets look at why the pelvis is so important for riders in our next article. 😀

26/05/2025

Excellent information on proper height of mounting blocks for riders

𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗨𝗥 𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗦

𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧?

When it comes to mounting horses, most of us understand the importance of using a mounting block to reduce strain on our horse’s back. But have you ever considered whether your mounting block is the right height? It's a detail that’s often overlooked but could make a big difference to your horse's comfort and overall wellbeing.

Russell MacKechnie-Guire highlights the significance of choosing the right mounting block height. “Mounting from the ground is a skill that riders should have but not necessarily reinforce regularly,” he says. “It’s important to be able to get on from the ground in case of an emergency, but you don’t need to practice it daily. In those situations where you fall off or need to dismount to open a gate, it’s better to walk your horse to a log or another safe object to help you get back on.”

Using a mounting block should be the norm, and the height of the block matters more than you might think. “The higher the block, the better,” explains Russell. “The ideal height means you can step onto the horse with minimal effort, which reduces the pressure on the saddle and avoids unnecessary strain on the horse’s back.” When mouting pressures are highest on the right side of the wither, and along the soft tissue close to the right side of the spinal processes.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?
Studies show that mounting from the ground places more pressure on the right side of the horse’s back as the rider mounts. The saddle is often pulled against the horse’s wither on the opposite side, increasing strain. When you use a higher mounting block, the time spent with your left foot in the stirrup is reduced significantly, which lowers the pressures on the saddle and allows for a smoother transition onto the horse, “The longer you take to mount, the more pressure you’re putting on the horse.”

To ensure your mounting block is doing its job, Russell suggests testing how long your stirrup is under load during mounting. “If you can reduce the time you’re applying pressure to the saddle by using a higher block, that’s ideal,” he explains.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Interestingly, your own fitness level can impact the amount of strain placed on the saddle and the horse during mounting. "Riders who are fit and athletic tend to have the ability to bounce, and propel themselves up onto the horse, whereas less fit riders may rely on pulling the horse towards them to get on," says Russell. This difference can lead to varied saddle pressures, depending on the rider's physical ability.

Even though mounting might only happen once a day, the pressure on the saddle is substantial. “The pressure is greater than that experienced by a horse landing over a 1.30m jump,” Russell points out. This repeated pressure could contribute (appreciateing there are multiple factors) to why some horses are unsettled or step forward when being mounted.

𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸
While a lower block might be easier to move and store, it’s essential to consider whether it’s the right size for your horse. “Efficiency is important, but so is ensuring that your mounting block is the correct height to reduce strain,” Russell advises.

Historically, older estates had large mounting blocks built to help people in dresses mount with ease, especially ladies riding side-saddle, and this larger size wasn’t just for style — it was designed to make mounting easier and more comfortable for the horse.

𝗟𝗲𝗴-𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Another alternative to using a mounting block is receiving a leg-up. However, Russell cautions that the method of leg-ups is important. “If you propel someone too much, they might come down too quickly and end up landing heavily on the horse’s back,” he says. “Make sure the person is able to gently lower themselves into the saddle to avoid adding extra pressure.”

In some cases, mounting from the opposite side can also be beneficial to the horse’s balance and comfort, as it helps avoid repeating the same loading on one side.

By paying attention to these details, riders can reduce the risk of causing unnecessary strain on their horse’s back and make the mounting process safer for both horse and rider.

06/05/2025

Great explanation of inside leg, outside rein and what your body needs to do correctly

29/04/2025

Great Rider Symmetry Assessment clinic at the Colorado Horse Park with riders from Sara Storch-Kay dressage. We found our missing seat bones, realized we don’t need to ride with uneven stirrups once we get our hip muscles activated and now have better contact with the horse with both legs.

31/03/2025

Yes! Strengthen your hip and core muscles and you will have better balance!

Jim Wofford said, "Good riders sit." The two left photos, a HJer and an eventer, are riding in the same position that some call a 2-point. The two right photos are MacLain Ward top and Bruce Davidson below. The obvious difference is that the riders on the left ride up out of the saddle with straighter knees and they depend on the horse's neck for their balance. This makes these riders "top heavy" and their movements are more apt to interfere with their horse's balance.

Ward and Davidson ride closer to the saddle, lowering the center of gravity of the horse and rider pair, thus creating greater stability. Yes, I know Davidson is in a jump, but I picked this image to make the point that he demonstrates a light or half seat over a jump, which requires great strength in the lower body that the two left riders seem to lack. Davidson rode in a light or half seat, not perched like the riders on the left, except when he needed to sit deeply for increased engagement.

The bottom image by Susan Harris shows the difference between the current "2-point position" and the original 2-point. The left 2-point is actually a 3-point position because it has the two points of balance in the rider's feet, plus a 3rd point of balance with the hands on the neck. The original 2-point is shown on the right with only the two points of balance in the feet.

The authentic 2-point is a dynamic or moving balance independent of the horse's balance and motion. An independent balanced seat is safer because if the horse stumbles, the rider can maintain their balance and not automatically be affected by a horse's sudden imbalance.

The new "2-point", that is actually a 3-point, is a static balance tied to the horse's balance. This position makes the rider a passenger dependent on the horse's balance. In this static dependent balance, if the horse stumbles the rider, riders lacking their own independent balance can more easily be pitched forward even to the point of being launched forward onto the ground.

The 3-point is rewarded by judges even though it is a static unbalanced position forward of the horse's center of balance and thus dangerous if the horse loses their balance. This is one of the primary examples of how several disciplines have invented their own isolated discipline "horsemanships" with elements that are impractical, ineffective and sometimes dangerous. The worst part is that these discipline idiosyncrasies make the horses' job more difficult.

I have a video on my YouTube channel that discusses this in greater detail www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IEpQmApva0&t=28s