Physiotherapist’s perspective on horse back riding

I have been riding horses for pleasure for 25 years, and taking formal lessons and attending clinics for 10 years. Despite this, I am always learning to better my seat and position while riding.

Maintaining a proper seat often requires:

• The ability to dorsiflex your ankles (heels down)

• Extending your hip (keeps heels in line with hips and shoulders)

• Adducting your thighs (to maintain contact with the horse and promote good balance)

• Internally rotating your hips (to keep feet pointing forwards and knees in contact with the horse)

All of these movements must occur simultaneously, while keeping the body relatively relaxed. Exercises such as bridging or hip thrusts can help promote hip extension and mobility. Other beneficial exercises are calf stretching to promote dorsiflexion of the ankles, and side lying hip adduction to improve hip adductor strength.