[hobbit]

For those of us who don't have a horse, and only get to have a weekly riding lesson (if that), getting position right on the horse is difficult...there's only so many exercises you can do to try and tone up the suitable muscles...what do you think of these?

I can't afford one, and if I could, I would probably wait that little bit longer to afford a horse...but, seeing it still has a certain appeal...inbetween the weekly lessons, can work on getting correct posture/keeping heels down, toning muscles...etc...I think if I had the money for it right now, and the space, I would buy it...but as my dad said no to me being able to buy a running machine, I very much doubt I'd be allowed to buy a 'riding machine!'


so...opinions...lol


http://www.electroniczone.co.uk/heal...rse-rider.html



Personally I reckon this one would be rubbish...no stirrups to even try and keep leg and heel correct.

http://www.back2.co.uk/Fitness/iJoy-...FWlr4wod513HJA


There are more, pretty much the same...but with/withou stirrups...
also there's this...but I imagine this would be MORE than a few hundred pounds!!

http://www.fineallfortis.co.kr/en/in...mode=&submode=


I know the main opinion is going to be 'ride a real horse', lol

[mpprincess]

Oh dear. I'm sorry that last one had me cracking up! I could see how it'd be good in theory. Just not sure how effective since half of riding is understanding the horse and how they think.

[crayon]

I've heard of those. The last oen looks completely ridiculous to me! lol. I do think they're a neat idea, but to actually get it to move you have to "drive" with your butt. I feel like it wouldn't be the best idea because it would easily cause anybody to start doign that while on a real horse and many horses are irritated by it.

I also don't understand how the first two would tone the corect muscles. Your calf muscles are very important to riding and there is nothin to hold onto with your calf on those liek you would on a horse.

[rascalboy]

Your calf muscles are NOT very important in riding. You calves shouldn't be touching the horse at all, unless giving an aid. Your legs in general should not be working, except when you post (and even then it's the motion of the horse, not really your leg muscles moving) and use leg to steer/give cues.
Your legs should be draped over the horse, not using your legs to squeeze the horse. I once read a quote from a famous trainer that went like this, "The best rider is always the one with the least leg muscle". I thought that quite right.
You use balance to stay on the horse, not muscle.
Also, don't bother with the whole 'keeping your heels down" thing. It's not muscle that brings your heels down, it's you having your legs so relaxed that they weigh down the stirrup, and actually bring your heels down/
And really, you don't want your heels down anyway, since that turns your feet out, which tenses the leg and puts your calf on the horse, (and also tightens the hip) which usually deadens your horse to subtle leg cues since you never release your leg from the horse. Fun, right?
What you really want to do is relax your leg to that your foot is flat. For awhile your feet feel like all your weight is on your little toe, but once you get used to it so you see that your toes point forward, and the natural weight of your leg keeps your stirrup in place and keeps your feet level widthwise.
Really, the only muscle you need is stomache muscle and that's only to keep your back straight.
Lol, so do some situps and you're good for the day.

[luvs2ride79]

I would say, start taking an extra lesson a week. That would be money better spent, lol. If your current instructor doesn't have another opening, find someone else. It can be helpful to take lessons with more than one instructor.

[bloodymerrie]

Agree with rascalboy. Do core muscle training with an exercise ball, and suppling exercises for ankles. Do a lot of stretching and flexibility (pilates, yoga). And balance exercises. Good balance will save you from amny a fall.

A lot of people stiffen up in the ankle by trying to "push" the heel down or "pull" the toe up. Supple, strong ankles mean that you have stability in the ankle as well as flexibility. Same goes for the back - a lot of riders are so stiff through the back that they completely block their horses. The back can only be supple and relax if you have sufficient core strength.

http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/...eexercises.htm

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/a.../a/NewCore.htm

http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/.../BalanceEx.htm

Another useful thing to do is working on using your hands independantly. You'd be amazed at how many riders are unable to divorce the movement of one hand/arm from the other. Essential for giving clear, subtle rein aids.