Most riders naturally develop better balance as they ride more, becoming comfortable in the saddle and with the horse in general. However, some people have a more difficult time with this than others, and riding skills will improve greatly if a rider focuses on balance during the early stages of horseback riding.
Practice at Home
Many riders who start taking horseback riding lessons only ride once a week, which can seriously delay the development of better balance and stability in the saddle. For these riders, practicing at home is the best way to speed up their progress, and all that's needed is an exercise ball, which can be purchased at Wal-Mart or Target for just a few dollars.
The balance ball can be straddled just like a horse, with the feet planted on both sides and the knees facing forward. If the ball is too short, it can be placed atop a couch cushion for added height. To improve balance on horseback, stick both arms out to the sides and practice lifting one leg and then the other, keeping the body as upright as possible.
If this is too simplistic, take up another hobby that requires significant balance and stability. Ballet and yoga are two excellent choices.
Stirrup Pick-Up
To increase stability in the saddle, one of the most popular exercises is called "stirrup pick-up", and should first be tried at the walk. While circling the arena at a normal pace, drop the right stirrup, leave it out for three or four steps, then find it again without planting the hands on the horse's neck or looking down.
Then repeat with the left stirrup. This can also be done by dropping both stirrups at the same time. Once this technique is perfected at the walk, try it at the trot and then at the canter. Practice until it is easy to drop and pick up the stirrups without looking down or grabbing the horse's neck.
Jockey Stirrups
Another way to improve balance on horseback is to ride with jockey stirrups. This only works in English saddles, and is best done with the supervision of a riding instructor. Shorten the stirrups about five holes, then conduct the warm-up as usual. Shorter stirrups raises the center of gravity and promotes better balance and more muscle control.
Around the World
Around the World isn't just a game that can be played with mathematics flash cards. Around the World on horseback is an exercise that should be conducted at the halt, with someone else holding the horse's reins. The rider sits with his feet out of the stirrups, then lifts one leg over the horse's neck so he is facing sideways. Then he hoists that same leg over the horse's rump so he is backwards, and continues until he is facing forward again.
Not only does this exercise improve balance on horseback, but it also increases the rider's awareness of the horse. It promotes trust between horse and rider, which is imperative at higher levels.
All of these exercises and techniques will improve balance and increase stability in the saddle. However, it is important to realize that developing balance takes time, so don't try to rush it.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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