Bad Horse Riding Position

A bad horse-riding position is not only detrimental to a rider’s posture and health but can even affect the horse, and lead to more bad riding habits. Bad posture is not something easy to get over, as modern times have supplied many opportunities to worsen this condition. 

Driving and working on the computer have all amassed hours of bad habits with posture. This, combined with the awkwardness new riders will face, can negatively impact a horse’s behavior. Knowing how to behave around horses while learning to ride will prove invaluable. 

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Bad Horse Riding Position

To start, it’s important to look at what and how the rider’s posture can influence the horse. Often times riders will prioritize the horse above themselves, and this can take many forms, like checking their shoeing. Sometimes the simplest answers are the most efficient. 

Looking Down When Riding

This is a common bad habit found in beginner riders. The instinct to look down happens probably because of the tall height the riders will suddenly find themselves at. To compensate for this height difference, the rider will look down, and this means the focus is directed at the ground. 

This will mean it will be difficult to watch where you need to go and plan for it. Body alignment will also be affected by looking down and contribute to slouching. Over time this bad habit will develop into back and neck pain, which can further affect future riding ventures. 

Slouching

The first thing a new rider is thought is to sit up straight, without slouching. A slouching position influences the position of the arms as well, which also needs to be in a certain position. An ideal riding position will be one in which the shoulder blades are pushed back, and the rider sits tall on the seat.

Slouching can also result in a compromised sitting position, leading to falling out of the saddle. Slouching can even encourage other bad horse riding positions, like leaning forward in the seat.

Leaning Forward

Although leaning forward in the saddle is necessary for some circumstances, it’s not a typical riding position. Jumping is one such circumstance where leaning forward would be a requirement. As for normal riding or when walking, leaning forward can shift the center of gravity and pose some risks. 

For one, an abrupt stop can throw the rider off if they are leaning forward. This usually happens for two reasons. The first is that the rider leaning forward will not have enough time to anticipate a response to a sudden halt. The second reason is that the grip on the seat won’t be strong enough to stop with the horse. 

Keeping The Arms Straight

The distance between the rider’s arms and the horse’s mouth may seem great to new riders. Many beginner riders will have their arms straight and rigid when starting to learn, which is considered a bad horse-riding position. 

Considering what breed of horse has the best temperament must be accompanied by how to implement good riding behaviors. A calm horse like the American quarter horse can only do so much when its rider keeps pulling its head backward. 

A position with the arms straight and rigid will impede communication between rider and horse. There is no room for command cues, as it seems the horse is asked to slow down more than anything. Slightly bent arms are the proper position, in this case, allowing the arms to follow the horse’s head. 

Elbows Pointing Out

Elbows sticking is another part that can sit awkwardly at times and become a bad horse-riding position. These positions, much like keeping arms straight, affect ridding command cues, and confuse the horse. 

There will be too much opposition in the horse’s mouth, and it could even frustrate the horse at some point. Patience is an important aspect a horse for beginners needs to have, so what is the most difficult horse breed? A Mustang might not be an ideal match for a novice rider that will lack the confidence and proper riding position. 

Sitting In A Twisted Position

A crooked position shall impact the overall posture in the saddle, and will hamper the ability to provide clear cues. Not only this, but a twisted position will further contribute to other bad horse riding positions like slouching, and leaning forward. 

A lack of balance will also be evident in a crooked position. This weight shift may even confuse the horse while also posing a risk of falling. Repeatedly sitting like this will develop into a bad habit and be harder to correct in time. 

It’s also important to keep in mind the strength of the horse. Sitting crooked affects any horse, but it can ore negatively impact a weaker horse. This will come with the question of what is the weakest horse breed. The Argentinian Falabella horse is one such weak horse due to its size, but it’s not popular in the US. 

Conclusion

The are many bad horse riding positions, and many of them can be easily corrected. The right instructions and consistent practice will solve any bad horse-riding position. Muscle memory needs training with horse riding, and in this case, persistence is key. Keeping in mind what are the most common bad riding behaviors is only the first step in overcoming them.

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