The Importance of Rider Balance

How balanced are you when you are riding? How balanced does your horse feel when you are riding? Does it lean on the bit on one side more than the other? Does one lead come more easily than the other?

Have you considered your horse's imbalance could be you?

You may think you are perfectly balanced but imagine carrying a 10 gallon bucket of water in each hand. One is completely full of water, and the other is empty. Are your shoulders level? Are you walking in a straight line? Is it easy to move? I know that its an over exaggeration of what can happen, but if you are riding your horse and you are imbalanced, this is transferring to your horse. Think of having a 5lb. weight hanging off your left stirrup, and no weights hanging off your right stirrup.

Your horse is sensitive to your seat. If you have a slight lean, or pelvic rotation it will directly affect your horse's balance. Rider imbalance will also affect wear on the saddle. If you are unknowingly unbalanced in your spine and frame you will also create imbalances in your horse. This will lead to subluxation and soreness in your horse, which will affect performance and overall behavior.

Have your trainer or friend watch you sit in the saddle at a halt and check for balance. From the back are the stirrups, shoulders and hips level? From each side, how is your posture? Is one shoulder rotating more forward than the other?

While riding, are your shoulders, pelvis and back bone square and straight? How are your shoulders?

If any imbalances exist, you could be contributing to your horse's imbalance. The best way to relieve your imbalance that is effecting your horse is through chiropractic. Chiropractic treatment will balance your spine, nerves and muscles. Chiropractic treatment is not a one time quick fix, it will take time to achieve proper body balance. Your body took its time getting in that position and will need some time and work to be in better balance. Just call your present or local Chiropractor or ask your Animal Chiropractor (who initially worked on people) for a spinal evaluation.

Call and schedule a spinal examination for you and your horse!

Stacey Reynolds D.C.
Reynolds Animal Chiropractic
Helping to enhance the animal - Human bond
www.reynoldsanimalchiropractic.com