Clinic Report; Centered Riding

Yumm... super soaked pony.

 Saturday was clinic day at our little barn and despite the downpour that made for both a soaked horse and super icy paddocks/walkways, (...of course turning dear Paloma into snorty beast), it was actually a perfect temperature for a winter clinic. What more can we ask for in the month of January?

I was skeptical about all the claims that people have been making as of late about 'Centered Riding' and this particular coach and I really wanted to be proved utterly wrong and dumbstruck.

While I am, in fact, dumbstruck, as in I really don't know what to say, I am not sure I feel any redeeming qualities for either this coach or the whole 'Centered Riding' idea.

What I can tell you is that my hips were in absolute pain both during and now two days later, though significantly less.


The first thing the coach did was tell me to point my toes to Paloma's ears, push my heels out and away from her barrel and move my legs back six inches in order to achieve the best outline, (for rider). 'Kneel and land on your feet', she called it.
I totally understood the concept of having maximum contact with your thigh and I loved her explanations but I struggle with if this is the best way for me.
I mean this hurts! And not just a little stretching your boundaries hurt but more like wrenching my hips from my joint sockets hurt!
I had read many articles in the past about how many coaches will promote this way and in this articles 'they' argue if this is actually the best way for ALL riders. It may work for some, but we are all built differently just like our horses.

Assuming the pain goes away after awhile I am still left wondering if this positioning of my leg is effective?
When I did achieve the 'IT' positioning, I felt my leg become completely ineffective, I could not for the life of me apply my calf. Thus, Paloma fell behind my leg. Exhibit A. But hey it looks pretty!

Exhibit A..... lack of forward but pretty leg.

Because I have a massive need to learn the how and why about everything I asked the coach about this. She stated that forward should not come from the leg, it should come from the thrust in your seat/posting. When I am not posting, my body should still be thrusting. This sounded a lot like the giant hunter faux paux, 'pumping'.


Although, I admit the new leg position did prevent me from applying 'nagging leg', which I can be guilty of, eckham, and Paloma did become instantly relaxed. Major plus!!


In conclusion, I am left with more questions than answers after the 45 minute lesson.
But sometimes this is a good thing for me. At the very least I have a ton of food for thought and this is usually when my best riding occurs.
I cannot help but think that maybe I can mix this method with what I already know and somehow be left with no a 'nagging leg and relaxed horse' result?

I do love concocting my own recipes after all...