If you're a mid-life horse rider, you've likely heard of the annual challenge: No-Stirrup November. The idea is simple—ride without stirrups to develop a stronger seat, better balance, and improved core strength. But is it as beneficial as it sounds?
Not always.
Done incorrectly, riding without stirrups can harm your horse's back and limit your riding improvement.
Before you drop your stirrups, let’s explore how to approach this challenge safely and effectively to strengthen your riding while keeping your horse happy and comfortable.
Why an Independent Seat Matters
To ride confidently and harmoniously with your horse, developing an independent seat is essential. An independent seat means your balance and stability come from your core, not gripping with your legs or balancing on the reins.
For mid-life riders, this foundation is especially crucial. Over time, natural stiffness or lack of strength can lead to tension in the saddle, making it harder to ride effectively and enjoyably.
When riders grip too tightly with their legs or rely on their reins for balance, it creates tension in the rider and the horse, leading to discomfort and resistance. Riding without stirrups can help you build an independent seat—but only if done correctly.
Are You Ready to Ride Without Stirrups?
Here’s how to prepare:
- Start Slowly: Work at your own pace and only increase difficulty when you feel balanced and supple.
- Keep Sessions Short: No more than 5–10 minutes per session, especially in the beginning. Overdoing it can cause discomfort for your horse.
- Listen to Your Horse: Pay attention to signs of discomfort, such as pinned ears, tail swishing, or inconsistent rhythm.
5 Tips for Safe and Effective No-Stirrup Riding
1. Find the Right Position
- Sit squarely in the saddle, feeling both seat bones in contact.
- Relax your thighs and let your legs hang naturally.
- Imagine your feet softly pressing towards the ground behind the balls of your feet.
2. Work on Independent Leg Movements
- Slowly pivot your lower leg forward and backward from the knee.
- Experiment with moving one leg at a time, both legs together, and scissors-like movements.
- Notice when your muscles grip and when they soften.
3. Centre Your Torso
- Sit tall and centred.
- Lean slightly forward, then return to centre.
- Lean slightly backward, then return to centre.
- Notice how your balance shifts and adjust to avoid gripping with your legs.
4. Maintain Suppleness
- Use a neck strap or hold the front of the saddle if needed for stability.
- Gently flap your elbows to release tension in your arms and shoulders.
- Roll your shoulders forward and back, alternating as needed.
5. Monitor Your Horse’s Feedback
- If your horse seems tense, breaks rhythm, or resists, pause to adjust your position.
- Release tension in your legs, lower back, and shoulders before continuing.
Build Confidence Gradually
For mid-life horse riders, maintaining confidence is as important as developing strength and balance. Use these progressive steps to challenge yourself:
- Walk without stirrups until you feel stable and relaxed.
- Progress to sitting trot, trotting over poles, posting trot, and two-point.
- Finally, work towards cantering without stirrups.
The End Goal
The ultimate aim of No-Stirrup November isn’t just stronger legs or a tighter seat—it’s about improving your overall riding skills and your connection with your horse. When done correctly, riding without stirrups can help you:
- Feel your horse’s rhythm effortlessly.
- Keep your legs long and soft without gripping.
- Move fluidly with your horse, creating a more enjoyable experience for you both.
Boost Your Confidence and Riding Goals
As a mid-life horse rider, overcoming challenges like balance, confidence, and tension in the saddle is key to achieving your riding goals. By focusing on the right techniques, you can confidently deepen your connection and strengthen your partnership with your horse, one ride at a time.
Ready to ride with confidence and improve your foundation in the saddle this November? Use these tips to create a personalised plan that benefits both you and your horse.
Take Your Riding to the Next Level
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