Balance Rider

[Roni444]

Has anyone tried this or have one? It looks interesting. I use a Balimo as my chair but this would be a different level.

www.balancerider.com and https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...B1Ic0ChY#t=387

[oldhag]

Stop trying to kid yourself. The only way to get there is to ride a horse.

[Roni444]

Even top level riders use cross training to improve their balance and seat. Training our bodies to have better balance should improve our riding. If this helps feel imbalances - it could be worth it -

[galopp]

Riding is learned by riding, but balance boards, fit/swiss balls (esp them), and a balimo chair can help a rider lean refinements of a seat. Ideally time on a lunge, and jumping, and riding in two point as well (for balance). Most really good riders got better by riding, not cross training. One art/sport I find that has many things in common is tai chi. mho

[Roni444]

Stefan and Shannon Peters are big proponents of doing other sports to improve their riding - http://spetersdressage.com/speters/wp-c ... PETERS.pdf Besty Steiner would be another proponent.

I think that for many, daily routines involve a lot of sitting at computers or in cars and the other sports (incluing tai chi, pilates etc) can make a difference.

[calvin]

Roni, I think your point is valid. As an AA, my saddle time is limited. Oldhag correctly points out that nothing but (correct) riding is necessary to improve riding. For many of us who have commitments which preclude time in the saddle, the challenge is to gain balance and muscle tone with which to become more effective. The question is whether this product is useful, IMO. I shall look forward with interest to those who have first hand experience.

[StraightForward]

I have posted about it before, but I really like using a Bosu ball for improving balance. Different concept, but way cheaper and more versatile for workouts (and if you have a gym membership, you might already have access to one). I agree that us ammies with limited saddle time need to do something additional. Even riding one horse 5-6 days a week isn't enough. Right now I'm barely riding and trying to figure out how to not only stay fit but keep my "sea legs" for when I back my 3 year old next summer.

I've only leafed through it so far, but the January Dressage Today has a section on cross training.

[Code3]

Of course time in the saddle is important. But so is fitness, and balance, and being aware of our own body imbalances. I use lessons on this http://rideamerika.com as a training tool. Having lost my more experienced horse, I am currently riding two relatively young horses who have their own imbalances. I'm not sure about this product, but anything that helps with body awareness and correcting imbalances is going to help your riding.

[Roni444]

Code3 - i have seen these simulators but unfortunately there is none anywhere close by. I would be very interested in something that measures / shows my balance or lack thereof. Having advanced in my riding, I have discovered just how much a rider affects a horse and how much even small changes to weight and muscle tone are perceived by the horse. Finding a true "neutral" is very important as a starting point for aiding but also very hard if the feeling was never there. I come from too much tension and overriding to a much more supple and balanced position that allows for more minimal aids as the horse can now hear me. Doing tai chi, pilates, stretches, using a Balimo as my main chair - have been invaluable.

I am not looking for a quick fix but for sometting that helps me improve my body

[Abby Kogler]

While I like the concept very much and think it could be really useful, its hard to take them seriously when they post the photos they do >;-/ The chick on the big Saddlebredy looking chestnut is riding in what, German draw reins? that almost look like they are attached to the saddle? WTH? Sorry, she doesn't look very balanced or coordinated to me. Just saying.

But I think the actual thing could be very useful.

[Ganas]

I've sat on one. It was a while ago, so my memory isn't clear and it's not like I really grilled the salesperson about it. It was fun, a slight challenge, and could certainly help provide strength and balance. The one I tried had a laser light on the front that you were able to point at the wall to let you know if you had it level. I remember thinking that "level" did not produce a neutral pelvis. I remember feeling like I wanted to try one with a saddle attached, I thought it would feel more accurate.

[orono]

I think it could be useful, and comfortable too. I have some SI issues, and there are some stretches I can only do while mounted, this could provide an in house alternative!

[lorilu]

Yoga has done wonders for me. Evened out many imbalances, strengthened my balance, great core strength with flexibility workout, and good for proprioception as well. But you need to find the right instructor and program, of course.
I also take a Pilates mat class 1x week - same strengthening, different methology.

[Imperini]

I use lessons on this http://rideamerika.com as a training tool.

How realistic does that feel? There is one about an hour from me and I'm wondering if it would be worth giving a try.

[Code3]

Pretty realistic. the more equal your aids are, the lighter aids she will respond to. For me it is very good for my seat, to really be aware of my pelvis. I will say my very first ride consisted of me being run away with initially. . By the end of that lesson I was able to trot both extended and collected. it translates well to the live horse.