Western Dressage Biomechanics Bootcamp
In this biomechanics series, Stephany Crossman assists a Western Dressage rider, addressing challenges with saddle design affecting leg position. They adjust the rider's stance for improved effectiveness before focusing on refining the rising trot, adjusting the rider's motion to influence the horse's stride. Transitioning to the canter, Stephany corrects the rider's weight distribution imbalance and aligns their body positioning for better coordination with the horse's movement, ensuring a harmonious ride.
-
Western Dressage Rider Biomechanics - Part 1
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...
-
Western Dressage Rider Biomechanics - Part 2
Stephany watches as they move into rising trot. She makes some observations as to how the rider is posting and how that relates to the horse's length of stride. They work on increasing and decreasing the horse's trot stride through small changes in the rider's motion.
-
Western Dressage Rider Biomechanics - Part 3
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’s body position.
