11/05/2024
“One of the main things I have my riders work on when they are not lessoning is their balance and position. The goal is to make sure they are in the middle of their horse and that they are using both hands and legs when steering.
Working on the rider’s balance can be practiced through flatting without stirrups to help the rider sink down into the tack to be able to feel both sit bones in the saddle evenly. For the hands, I have them touch their thumbs every now and then to be sure their hands are working in a straight line across from each other and together.
I also have my riders ride off of the rail to ensure that their hands and legs are steering the horse correctly instead of relying on the wall or fence. I also like my riders to incorporate ground pole work when riding on their own to practice balance through the turns and straightness at landing and takeoff.”-Donna Pace
Welcome to Trainer Tuesday! Each week we ask trainers a question and gather their answers for you. These trainers have a range of experience, backgrounds, and focus points of their programs, so the answers have as much variation as you would expect and also probably much more similarity. This week....
