Riding Mechanics and Bad Habits

July 10, 2014
​Written by: Keith Hosman
We all get into bad habits. When you're riding - and looking for improvement - it's going to take awhile to break the bad habits that you've picked up over time. If your feet get behind you as you ride, then there's nothing to stop you from flying forward if the horse stops quickly. If we pull our arms out as we ride, extending them out far from our bodies, then we have no strength to pull. It's simple mechanics.
Whether you're just learning to ride a horse or an old hand, this tiny article will help you fix bad riding habits you might have picked up.
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When we ride, we want to keep our hands in close, always close to our belly buttons. That allows you to use maximum strength when you pull. If you pull off with hands far out to the right or left, then you've minimized your strength and you're off balance too. The more off balance you get, the greater chance you have of getting thrown off if that horse jumps or spooks. He'll see his shadow and put you on the ground. The whole idea is to stay up in that saddle. So, keep your weight in your stirrups and keep your feet in front of you.

Wanna teach your horse to drop its head and stay relaxed? When you're finished with this article, click here to read about the "Classic Serpentine."