RIDING SUCCESS WITHOUT STRESS
By Joni Bently
And you thought it was all your fault you couldn't sit straight?
Right and Left hind drivers.
Humans usually favour one hand to write with, just like us, horses have one hind leg that they prefer to use. They are either “left-hind drivers" when their left hind leg is strongest, or "right-hind drivers" when its their right hind that is dominant. Like us they have their own body imbalances and spinal twists and feel comfortable and safe in their habitual way-of- going. Most horses can easily twist their rider, weakening their position and aids. This is not because they are being bad; it is because they feel safe in their usual, way-of-going. It's normal to them.
Frosty is a left hind driver. Watch as he travels up the long side of the arena.
He starts off with all the tapes lining up, but after only a few strides even though Chloe has her right leg and spur against his right ribs, he still crosses his left hind to the right pushing his quarters in and away from the fence. This sideways moving is typical in horses that have a dominant hind leg. Instead of stepping forwards the dominant hind leg pushes sideways. Although the thrust is bigger the stride is actually shorter leaving the rider's seat bone unsupported on that side. This crookedness not only results in lack of impulsion and crab walking, it also leads to RSI, (repetitive strain injury) to the sacroiliac joints, hocks and stifles.
How right and left hind driving affects the horse's shoulders and makes fitting saddles a nightmare!
As mentioned above left and right hind drivers use their dominant leg in a sideways rather than forwards direction. This develops asymmetry in the horse's shoulders, which in turn affects the fit of the saddle
How do they do that?
Photo 1 Take this left hind driver in the photo opposite. You can see as he stands square in the yard, his right shoulder is lower and set further back than the left.
Why is this?
Photo 2 Because left hind drivers push sideways to the right they over burden the right shoulder. The muscles around the right scapular shorten and bind themselves closer to the ribs, placing the right scapular lower and further back than the left.
How this affects the fit of the saddle. Because the right shoulder is set further back, it pushes the saddle back on that side making it twist. Because the rider has no support under their left seat bone from this, “left-hind- driver” they fall back and down to the left. The left side of the pommel then wedges itself up against the horse's left vertebrae restricting blood flow to the muscles. Ouch!
The reverse happens in a right hind driver.
• The horse's left shoulder is set further back pushing the saddle up and back on that side.
• Having no support from the crossing right hind the rider and saddle drop down and back to the right.
• The rider places more weight on their right seat bone.
• They unconsciously try to address this imbalance by leaning over to the left which collapses their left hip.
• They twist and collapse through the waist.
• They develop a pelvic tilt down to the right.
• They hold their right shoulder and seat bone further back.
• They grip up with their left hip and thigh which pulls their left knee and heel up and forwards
• They tense their left shoulder in an effort to keep over to the left.
• They pull back with their right hand.
• They put more weight on their right stirrup.
If you are worried or concerned about any of the topics highlighted in this article, please contact me at http://www.jonibentley.co.uk There you will find loads of freebies, like flash videos, free audio downloads and a free workbook. So what are you waiting for? If you don't have an internet connection call me on 01494 791776. I am here waiting to help you and your horse.
Here's my recommended 1-2-3
1. Go to my website http://www.jonibentley.co.uk Get my free workbook “Riding Success Without Stress” Watch the free video and download the free audio dismounted exercise.
2. Call Tel 01494 791776 or email: jonibentley@btinternet.com and let's see if a "rider friendly" workshop, at your yard or mine, would be perfect for you and your horse.
3. Can't make a workshop? No problem. My newly published 2 part cutting-edge DVD and CD Home Study Course are now available. Go to my website and see get a taste by watching the videos.
