Improve your horse riding posture: Simple yoga-inspired tips for equestrians

Struggling with 'shoulders back' while riding? Try this simple way to open your chest without force.

All equestrians have likely heard the words ‘shoulders back’ or ‘chest open’ (and perhaps other more entertaining lines!) during their journey to becoming a better rider. But what does this really mean, and how can riders achieve this without adding negative tension to their position?

Interestingly, the answer to this question came to me during a yoga class! While helping students achieve correct posture during downward dog, the instructor demonstrated how to open the chest through a simple rotation of the upper arm.

Try this simple exercise:

• Stand with both arms extended directly in front of you, palms facing down.
• Rotate both hands outwards so the palms face the sky, allowing the upper arms and shoulders to rotate naturally.
• Drop your arms to your side - bend your elbows.
• Maintain this upper arm/shoulder position and only turn the forearms until your thumbs are facing the sky.

Now, your shoulders are back, and your chest is open — all without creating negative tension from forcing the shoulders back.

Watch this for a quick demonstration:

By applying this technique in the saddle, riders can create a more balanced and relaxed posture, improving their connection with the horse.

You might also like to read:

• Timing and feel: The key to effective horse training

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