Riding a horse with no stirrups can improve your balance and position.Your riding position and transitions will be the same.The strength from your upper thighs will help hold you in place.Start practicing riding without stirrups for a few minutes every time you ride, and you will be improving before you know it!
Step 1: Start slowly and be safe.
It's a good idea to ride without stirrups.If you remove the stirrups, you will challenge different muscles than you normally use.Every time you ride, start out in 10-minute intervals.Before and after riding, take time to stretch.
Step 2: Cross the stirrups over the top of the saddle.
The first part of riding without stirrups is getting rid of them.If you are nervous, cross the stirrups over the saddle so they don't hit you or your horse.Remove them from the saddle if you feel more confident.If the stirrups are crossed over the saddle, you can use them if you get panicked.
Step 3: If the stirrups were there, keep your legs in the same position.
Do not kick your legs out or fold them back.Pretend that the stirrups are still there when they bend at the knee.The position of riding without stirrups is the same as riding with them.You can focus on your balance and form because there isn't much more to remember.
Step 4: Put your weight at your hips and sit in the saddle.
Instead of trying to hold yourself up or sit down, find your center of balance in your hips and let your energy flow from there.Keep yourself firmly in the saddle and think of your hips as the anchor point, they really shouldn't move much at all.Don't worry about your calves or knees.If you were riding with stirrups, they shouldn't be used more than they would be.
Step 5: You should keep your shoulders, hips, and heels lined up.
When riding without stirrups, it is important to practice good posture.Your shoulders should be in line with your hips.They should be in line with your heels.Horseback riding requires strong core strength.Strengthening exercises can be done 4 to 5 times a week.
Step 6: To signal to your horse, use your heels.
Click your tongue if you are ready to begin a walk.Start off slow and don't ask your horse to do anything.You can get used to riding without stirrups if you walk slowly.
Step 7: Hold onto the horse with your legs.
Take the horse between your thighs and keep your balance.Don't use your feet, hands, or knees to hold onto the horse.Keeping your shoulders, hips, and heels in line is important.If you need to stop the horse, keep in mind that you can do so.
Step 8: If you want to ride without stirrups, do a sitting trot.
If you feel like you have your balance after walking without stirrups, you can move the horse into a gentle trot.You can do this for a few minutes at a time to get used to it.Keep your legs in the normal riding position, and focus on where your center of gravity is to keep your seat.
Step 9: Post and get up from the saddle with the help of your thighs.
When you are ready to post, use your upper thighs and trot to help raise you up and down in your seat along with the horse's gait.If you clench the horse between your knees, don't pull it with your hands.If you feel like you're slipping, sit back down in your seat and slow your horse down.
Step 10: Rather than leaning to either side, keep your balance in the center.
When making turns, use your core strength to keep your balance.You don't want to lose your seating if you slip to either side.It is the best way to learn.You could easily fall off if your horse is going too fast on turns.
Step 11: The horse will be confused if you use your hands for balance.
Your hands are used to guide the horse.You will confuse the horse if you pull on the reins.Make a conscious effort to keep your hands in the same position.If necessary, have someone else lead the horse.This will prevent you from pulling on the horse's head.
Step 12: If you feel like you are losing your balance, slow down and practice.
You are in charge.You can stop the horse and get your bearings at any time.You should switch to riding with stirrups for the rest of your session when you start to feel sore.You will be able to do longer stretches without stirrups if you stick with consistent practicing.If you know a person who knows how to ride without stirrups, ask if you can watch them.