Western Dressage Rider Biomechanics Part 1
Rider Position and Aids
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25m
Stephany starts by watching the rider moving on the horse at a walk in both directions. This rider is a Western Dressage rider on a 15-year-old grade gelding. Stephany said that one challenge facing Western Dressage riders is that in older Western saddles, the stirrup bars are placed more forward, which doesnt put your leg in a good position. After watching the rider, Stephany helps reposition her so that she is more effective.
Up Next in Rider Position and Aids
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Western Dressage Rider Biomechanics P...
Next they go into canter. Since the rider tends to have more weight on the left side than the right side, they focus on keeping the legs and seat even and balanced. Then they notice how the horse is moving compared to the rider body position.
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Upper-Level Rider Biomechanics Part 1
Stephany starts by watching the rider moving on the horse at a walk in both directions. This rider is a USDF silver medalist aboard a third level Arabian stallion who also events. Stephany helps tweak the rider position to help relax some of her high tone so that she is even more effective.
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Upper-Level Rider Biomechanics Part 2
Stephany talks about the horse back being straight (or not) and the influence that has on rider position. She also talks about how the rider position can help bring the back up and improve the straightness. The horse feels more rhythmic and easier to ride. Stephany stresses that these are small, ...
