What exactly is core stability?
TRUE Core stability is balancing effortlessly on the planet using your deep postural muscles or anti-gravity muscles. These muscles should fire instinctively and without conscious thought. Many people however, have lost this ability and are instead trying to balance using more superficial muscle patterns. These muscles are designed for mobilizing the body not stabilizing so this can often lead to a pattern of strain throughout the body. A pattern of strain can result in pain or tension in certain areas of the body that are unable to move freely or just a rigidity in the rider that inhibits the free movement of the horse. How do I know if I need Movement Awareness Training? – low back tension – shoulder tension – neck tension – early fatigue in one muscle group after riding – one elbow sticking out in riding – a hand hooking on one rein – inability to sit the trot – horse not moving forward – frustration at lack of improvement in riding – hip/knee/ankle pain or constant clicking How to
