What does that mean exactly? Have you ever been out of the saddle for a few weeks, maybe on a beautiful vacation where you were just relaxing most of the time and not working out? Or maybe your only workout is riding, and you’ve been out of the saddle for a while? You come back to riding, “plug” yourself into that saddle and once your horse starts to move, you feel “loosey goosey”, or wobbly in your spine as the horse moves at the walk. You may think “well, I am moving with my horse”, however your timing is off, your horse is on the forehand and you find yourself looking for core stability. Core stability is the key to having that positive tension throughout your ride. If you don’t have core stability, it creates an imbalance in your horse and impacts by harming your spine and your horses. Whether you have a schoolmaster that allows you to be “looser” in the saddle or a young horse that requires you to be “strong” in the saddle, it’s always a good time to be aware of your core stability or as I see it, “the wobble”.
Core stability refers to the ability to maintain a solid, engaged core—specifically the muscles around your spine, abdomen and pelvis—while performing a task. When it comes to riding, a stable core allows you to keep your posture upright, absorb your horse’s movement, and stay balanced without excessive movement or wobbling in the saddle. A weak or unstable core can lead to a number of problems while riding, such as a loose or disconnected seat, poor posture, and difficulty maintaining control. More importantly, a lack of core stability can put extra strain on both your body and your horse’s. For example, if your core is not stable, your body might move too much with the horse, making it harder for your horse to stay balanced. This could lead to tension, unevenness, and even discomfort for both of you.
A stable core will create improved balance and posture, better communication with your horse, prevent injury for both horse and rider, and increase endurance. Developing core stability can be done with core strengthening exercises, like Pilates for equestrians, Barre Method, and Yoga. All of which create body awareness in or out of the saddle. Having a stable core is the center to good riding and most importantly ideal posture in everyday life. By developing a strong core, we are less likely to slouch or create upper body issues from being on our phones or computers so much of the day. While it’s important to work on core stability off the horse, don’t forget to focus on it while riding. Pay attention to your posture and consciously engage your core while you’re in the saddle. Practice moving with your horse, staying balanced and centered over your seat bones, and resisting the temptation to slouch or lean forward. It is reflected in our horses as it’s easier for them to engage their core and use their hind end, lifting up through the shoulders with better engagement. This in turn can help reduce injury and soreness.
Core stability is crucial for effective, safe, and comfortable horseback riding. It not only improves your posture and balance but also enhances your communication with your horse, reduces the risk of injury, and boosts your endurance in the saddle. Developing a strong core takes time, but with dedication and regular practice of exercises like Pilates, yoga, or Barre, you’ll notice significant improvements in your riding. Plus, the benefits of core stability extend beyond riding—improving your overall posture and well-being in everyday life as well. So, next time you get in the saddle, remember to “tame your wobble” and embrace the strength that a stable core brings to your riding experience!
