Cant keep my hands steady?

Question

i currently ride own and have shown arabians for about 3 years i ride english but have trouble when posting keeping my hands steady...and usually post with my arms...i know this is a bad habit...and i have tried to correct it by loosening my arms and not locking my elbows but i still end up posting with my arms going up and down...any ideas on what i can do to correct this?

Answer 1

You need lots of time on the lunge line with no reins nor stirrups to better develop your seat and the independence of your aids, i.e., hands, seat, legs and back.

PS- they are ALL related.

Answer 2

I would try 2 things. Firstly I would try posting without stirrups. Secondly I would try posting without reins, then try without both.

Also, while you're are on the Lunge line, you could try posting with stirrups and a glass of water in each hand. Not real glasses, but plastic glasses. Make sure they have a stem like plastic Champagne glasses, this way you can keep your hands in the correct position with thumbs on top. This used to be great for me to learn, but is WAY harder than it sounds!!Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

Try posting with only a lunge line.  you can keep your hands on your legs, but try hard to relax them.  Or you can simply keep your arms down to your sides when you post.  If you know anyone who can teach you yoga on horseback try that.  It can help correct a number of riding problems.

Answer 4

You are using your lower leg to post and it is throwing off your whole body.  Take the stirrups off your saddle and reteach yourself to post while keeping proper form.  This is good practice for any rider at any level because it can help you "reset" a lot of bad habits and strengthens your leg muscles.  Two-point without stirrups for three laps...feel the burn!

Answer 5

Place your hands together on the pomel of the saddle while posting. Don't lift them off the saddle, or let them move forward or backwards. This will make your elbows unlock, and teach your hands be quiet. Keep doing this untli you get use to allowing your hands to remain in the same place.

Answer 6

its like the race horses a little bit with the arms. they have to move with the neck while you move with the body. once you post a horse for awhile you settle into their rythm. i suggest you try just posting for no reason and make your hands keep a little contact with his/her neck. its a bit low but might help you get the coordination right. mainly just ride as much as you can. time always works. good luck!