pelvis tilt

Question
Hi Mitzi,

I started out many years ago learning from a centered riding instructor. I rode dressage and combined training then went on to ride A LOT of young green horses. I am still starting young horses but have noticed in the past year that my pelvis has tilted forward, like a hunter rider, instead of being centered like it use to be. I cant figure out how this happened? I use to have such a lovely seat. Does a person's pelvis change as they get older even though they ride a lot? I am 32 now. Are there exercises I can do to help my pelvis tilt back so I don't have to be so conscious of it when I ride?

Thanks for your time and input, (I really appreciate it)

Answer
Hello Leah,

If you have not had a knowledgeable person on the ground to check your riding, changes in your posiiton can definitely happen without you realizing it. As you know, even top riders have help from trainers/instructors on a regular basis. Bad habits are so easy to develop. Whenever I can, I go to another Level IV Centered Riding Instructor for a "tune-up".

I know once I had a lesson with Sally Swift after I had been retraining many Thoroughbred horses
off the race track. She watched me for just a few minutes and commented that I must have been riding green horses, as my posiiton had changed.

I suggest you find an instructor with a good eye, and also that you try to get some lungeing lessons. As you know, that is one of the best ways to develop an independent seat. In the meantime, try this self-teaching exercise-BEFORE getting on a horse, stand in front of a full-length mirror. If you know how to use your pelvis correctly in a half halt, do that.What you are looking for is a lengthing of your back by using your abdominals. This will result in your pelvis in a correct position. If you were on your horse, your seat bones would be pointing straight down.

When you sit on your horse, practice the "see-saw" exercise....point your seat bomes toward your horse's point of shoulder, then slightly back toward his hocks, and then again find vertical.Make certain that your are able to keep your back lengthened. See if this helps you be AWARE of your position when it is correct, and that you can physically initaite the change.

Please let me know if I can help you any more.Contact EXPERTS or  Summersdressage@aol.com, or www.MitziSummers.com