{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"The Riders Mechanic","home_page_url":"https://theridersmechanic.com","description":"The Riders Mechanic","author":{"name":"The Riders Mechanic"},"items":[{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-b-word","html_content":"

When riding a horse, our biggest concern is staying on. Nobody wants to fall off! Fear of falling creates both mental and physical tension. This is why relaxation precedes balance in the set of skills the rider must de...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-b-word","title":"The 'B' Word","summary":" When riding a horse, our biggest concern is staying on. Nobody wants to fall off! Fear of falling creates both mental and physical tension. This is why relaxation precedes balance in the set of skills the rider must de...","date_modified":"2019-08-12T21:32:51Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/reflections-of-riding","html_content":"

There are many basic principles in learning how to ride; easily learned with a competent coach guiding the way. However, each year I watch as an increasing number of riders come along, across all disciplines, that ha...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/reflections-of-riding","title":"Reflections of Riding","summary":" There are many basic principles in learning how to ride; easily learned with a competent coach guiding the way. However, each year I watch as an increasing number of riders come along, across all disciplines, that ha...","date_modified":"2019-05-20T02:52:14Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-big-deal","html_content":"

Here’s the scoop ...The pelvis is a BIG DEAL for riders! It’s not only our base of support, but it’s also the most important multipurpose hinge for the rider. So, we need to keep it healthy!

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-big-deal","title":"The Big Deal","summary":" Here’s the scoop ...The pelvis is a BIG DEAL for riders! It’s not only our base of support, but it’s also the most important multipurpose hinge for the rider. So, we need to keep it healthy! ","date_modified":"2019-05-10T13:35:31Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/your-posture-is-showing","html_content":"

Becoming aware of your postural patterns is crucial in learning how to ride. Yet, few riders today see the connection between their body’s limitations and their horse’s way of going.

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/your-posture-is-showing","title":"Your Posture Is Showing","summary":" Becoming aware of your postural patterns is crucial in learning how to ride. Yet, few riders today see the connection between their body’s limitations and their horse’s way of going. ","date_modified":"2019-05-08T03:09:07Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-name-of-the-game","html_content":"

As riders, it’s our responsibility to teach the horse to move in balance while carrying weight. To do this, we must apply precise, independent aids in timing with the horse’s movement, while continually assessing and m...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-name-of-the-game","title":"The Name Of The Game ","summary":" As riders, it’s our responsibility to teach the horse to move in balance while carrying weight. To do this, we must apply precise, independent aids in timing with the horse’s movement, while continually assessing and m...","date_modified":"2019-05-01T00:25:12Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/body-alignment-vs-posture","html_content":"

Remember when you were growing up and your mom would tap you on the back and say something about your posture? “Stand up straight.” “Don’t slouch.” “Shoulders back.” Well, as moms would have it, she was on to something. ...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/body-alignment-vs-posture","title":"Body Alignment vs. Posture","summary":"Remember when you were growing up and your mom would tap you on the back and say something about your posture? “Stand up straight.” “Don’t slouch.” “Shoulders back.” Well, as moms would have it, she was on to something. ...","date_modified":"2018-12-17T01:29:03Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/your-wires-are-crossed","html_content":"

“Muscle imbalances occur when one muscle is stronger than its opposing muscle.”

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/your-wires-are-crossed","title":"Your Wires Are Crossed","summary":"“Muscle imbalances occur when one muscle is stronger than its opposing muscle.”","date_modified":"2018-12-16T23:14:19Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/failing-to-plan-is-planning-to-fail","html_content":"

Ask any riding instructor, and they will most likely tell you that lesson planning is not an easy assignment. And, because it is time consuming and can be mentally challenging, many instructors don’t prepare lesson pla...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/failing-to-plan-is-planning-to-fail","title":"Paint by Numbers","summary":" Ask any riding instructor, and they will most likely tell you that lesson planning is not an easy assignment. And, because it is time consuming and can be mentally challenging, many instructors don’t prepare lesson pla...","date_modified":"2018-11-13T14:08:01Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/complex-beings","html_content":"

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/complex-beings","title":"Being Complex","summary":" ","date_modified":"2018-11-11T18:27:12Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/mat","html_content":"

The Rider’s Mechanic™ integrates various methods and modalities into our Biomechanical Bodywork for equestrian riders, with Myoskeletal Alignment techniques being the backbone of what we do. If you are curious, here is ...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/mat","title":"Treat Globally, Not Locally","summary":"The Rider’s Mechanic™ integrates various methods and modalities into our Biomechanical Bodywork for equestrian riders, with Myoskeletal Alignment techniques being the backbone of what we do. If you are curious, here is ...","date_modified":"2018-11-11T02:25:38Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/weebles-wobble-but-they-dont-fall-down","html_content":"

When you look up the word ‘balance’ in the dictionary, there is a variety of different definitions, depending on how the word is used. For this blog post, I’m going to stick with this definition: Balance describes a stat...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/weebles-wobble-but-they-dont-fall-down","title":"Weebles Wobble But They Don't Fall Down","summary":"When you look up the word ‘balance’ in the dictionary, there is a variety of different definitions, depending on how the word is used. For this blog post, I’m going to stick with this definition: Balance describes a stat...","date_modified":"2018-11-04T22:39:03Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/just-me","html_content":"

Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog 'Writings from a Rider'. This blog has been started with the intention to educate anyone with an open mind. The topics will dive into the realm of riding, riding instruc...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/just-me","title":"Just Me","summary":"Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog 'Writings from a Rider'. This blog has been started with the intention to educate anyone with an open mind. The topics will dive into the realm of riding, riding instruc...","date_modified":"2018-11-02T23:04:19Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/motion-is-lotion","html_content":"

The impact the hips have on the whole body was never clear to me until I trained as a manual therapist and started to understand the relationship between the hips and the rest of the body. There are many facets to this r...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/motion-is-lotion","title":"Motion is Lotion","summary":"The impact the hips have on the whole body was never clear to me until I trained as a manual therapist and started to understand the relationship between the hips and the rest of the body. There are many facets to this r...","date_modified":"2018-11-02T21:53:08Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/position-is-everything","html_content":"

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/position-is-everything","title":"Position is Everything","summary":" ","date_modified":"2018-10-30T03:16:50Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/do-i-look-tense","html_content":"

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/do-i-look-tense","title":"Do I Look Tense?","summary":" ","date_modified":"2018-10-26T21:02:46Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/are-you-dominant","html_content":"

Do you have anything physically stopping you from achieving your best while riding? If so, do you know exactly what it is?

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/are-you-dominant","title":"Are You Dominant?","summary":"Do you have anything physically stopping you from achieving your best while riding? If so, do you know exactly what it is?","date_modified":"2018-10-25T15:14:01Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/unwind-the-trouble","html_content":"

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/unwind-the-trouble","title":"Unwind The Trouble","summary":" ","date_modified":"2018-10-24T16:32:08Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-obvious-correction","html_content":"

Identifying and correcting changes in a student’s posture is one of many jobs that an instructor has during a riding lesson. However, correcting this can be a challenge because most of the time, the place where the corr...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-obvious-correction","title":"The Obvious Correction ","summary":"Identifying and correcting changes in a student’s posture is one of many jobs that an instructor has during a riding lesson. However, correcting this can be a challenge because most of the time, the place where the corr...","date_modified":"2018-10-23T00:57:50Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/ouch","html_content":"

Everyone who rides has fallen off. The old timers say you have to fall off 20 times, before you become a good rider. I don’t know how much truth there is to that, but one thing I do know…If you haven’t fallen off a horse...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/ouch","title":"Ouch!","summary":"Everyone who rides has fallen off. The old timers say you have to fall off 20 times, before you become a good rider. I don’t know how much truth there is to that, but one thing I do know…If you haven’t fallen off a horse...","date_modified":"2018-10-19T16:42:46Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/posture-pain-performance","html_content":"

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/posture-pain-performance","title":"Posture, Pain & Performance","summary":" ","date_modified":"2018-10-18T18:51:40Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/hay","html_content":"

Imagine driving down the road and your favorite song comes on the radio. You’re happily singing along, and then…STATIC! Listening no longer becomes pleasant, and you more than likely change the station. This is a great i...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/hay","title":"HAY!","summary":"Imagine driving down the road and your favorite song comes on the radio. You’re happily singing along, and then…STATIC! Listening no longer becomes pleasant, and you more than likely change the station. This is a great i...","date_modified":"2018-10-18T16:51:46Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/knowledge-is-power","html_content":"

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/knowledge-is-power","title":"Knowledge is Empowering","summary":" ","date_modified":"2018-10-17T03:25:20Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-new-buzzword","html_content":"

Biomechanics has become quite the buzzword among equestrian enthusiasts and it’s very important when it comes to all sports, in particular equestrian riding. Humans have been using this research for many years to help at...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-new-buzzword","title":"The New Buzzword","summary":"Biomechanics has become quite the buzzword among equestrian enthusiasts and it’s very important when it comes to all sports, in particular equestrian riding. Humans have been using this research for many years to help at...","date_modified":"2018-10-15T15:37:02Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/mumbo-jumbo","html_content":"

In basketball, the angle of the shot has a big effect on the chances of scoring; biomechanics. The angle in which the football is thrown is determined by the angle made by the extension of the quarterback’s arms; biomech...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/mumbo-jumbo","title":"Mumbo Jumbo?","summary":"In basketball, the angle of the shot has a big effect on the chances of scoring; biomechanics. The angle in which the football is thrown is determined by the angle made by the extension of the quarterback’s arms; biomech...","date_modified":"2018-10-14T03:34:02Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/no-pain-all-gain","html_content":"

If you suffer from pain after riding you’re not alone! Equestrian sports can create muscle and joint problems due to a combination of gravitational pressure and the horse’s force of movement. Whether it’s hip pain, lower...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/no-pain-all-gain","title":"No Pain, All Gain!","summary":"If you suffer from pain after riding you’re not alone! Equestrian sports can create muscle and joint problems due to a combination of gravitational pressure and the horse’s force of movement. Whether it’s hip pain, lower...","date_modified":"2018-10-13T22:46:22Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/youre-staring","html_content":"

Over-focusing or focusing on one particular object, oblivious to the environment around them, is a common rider problem. Rider’s tend to stare in one certain direction. A hard stare or what we call “hard eyes”, is caused...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/youre-staring","title":"You're Staring!","summary":"Over-focusing or focusing on one particular object, oblivious to the environment around them, is a common rider problem. Rider’s tend to stare in one certain direction. A hard stare or what we call “hard eyes”, is caused...","date_modified":"2018-10-13T15:42:36Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/independence-day","html_content":"

To learn to ride is all about learning in motion. Learning motion is learning to understand the interaction between rider and horse as a conversation. In order to understand this process, riders must become independent.

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/independence-day","title":"Independence Day","summary":"To learn to ride is all about learning in motion. Learning motion is learning to understand the interaction between rider and horse as a conversation. In order to understand this process, riders must become independent. ","date_modified":"2018-10-12T17:00:44Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/rider-development-is-the-key","html_content":"

No matter the title, trainer, instructor, or amateur rider, one thing seems clear; more time is spent focusing on the horse’s development and training rather than the rider’s development and training.

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/rider-development-is-the-key","title":"Rider Development Is Key","summary":"No matter the title, trainer, instructor, or amateur rider, one thing seems clear; more time is spent focusing on the horse’s development and training rather than the rider’s development and training. ","date_modified":"2018-10-11T15:30:17Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/instructors-beware","html_content":"

When making corrections to the rider’s body, instructors must be very careful! Everything we correct has an effect on the rest of their body. Particularly, if a rider overcorrects in a certain area, then the instructor w...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/instructors-beware","title":"Instructors Beware ","summary":"When making corrections to the rider’s body, instructors must be very careful! Everything we correct has an effect on the rest of their body. Particularly, if a rider overcorrects in a certain area, then the instructor w...","date_modified":"2018-10-11T12:54:42Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/fascia-fascia-fascia","html_content":"

Do you have anything physically stopping you from achieving your best while riding? If so, your fascia could be the culprit and we can help!\nFascia is the biological fabric that holds us together; the connective tissue n...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/fascia-fascia-fascia","title":"Fascia, Fascia, Fascia!","summary":"Do you have anything physically stopping you from achieving your best while riding? If so, your fascia could be the culprit and we can help!\nFascia is the biological fabric that holds us together; the connective tissue n...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T22:50:14Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/those-pesky-pecs","html_content":"

When pectoral muscles are tight or in an imbalance of strength with their counterbalancing muscles on the rider's back, the rider's shoulders are pulled forward, thus bringing your center of balance to far forward. Becom...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/those-pesky-pecs","title":"Pesky Pecs","summary":"When pectoral muscles are tight or in an imbalance of strength with their counterbalancing muscles on the rider's back, the rider's shoulders are pulled forward, thus bringing your center of balance to far forward. Becom...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T22:30:13Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-truly-correct-form","html_content":"

Today, teaching horseback riding seems to focus on the outward form of rider and horse. This one-dimensional perspective is common across all disciplines and levels. Many riders only understand riding as a physical, mech...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-truly-correct-form","title":"The Truly Correct Form","summary":"Today, teaching horseback riding seems to focus on the outward form of rider and horse. This one-dimensional perspective is common across all disciplines and levels. Many riders only understand riding as a physical, mech...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T22:26:48Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/when-psoas-aint-happy","html_content":"

When Psoas ain’t happy, ain’t no rider happy! The Psoas muscle (AKA \"The Hidden Prankster) is your main hip flexor and a tight hip flexor can be a rider’s worst enemy. It affects hip mobility and position in the saddle. ...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/when-psoas-aint-happy","title":"The Hidden Prankster","summary":"When Psoas ain’t happy, ain’t no rider happy! The Psoas muscle (AKA \"The Hidden Prankster) is your main hip flexor and a tight hip flexor can be a rider’s worst enemy. It affects hip mobility and position in the saddle. ...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T17:30:37Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/expert-in-humans-horses","html_content":"

Riding instructors must be experts in both horses and humans. Horseback riding is more complicated than any other sport simply because the instructor has to deal with two living creatures who are both very unique. Riding...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/expert-in-humans-horses","title":"Expert In Humans & Horses","summary":"Riding instructors must be experts in both horses and humans. Horseback riding is more complicated than any other sport simply because the instructor has to deal with two living creatures who are both very unique. Riding...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T17:27:52Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/every-great-coach-clings-to-a-fundamental-system","html_content":"

\n\"Every great coach clings to a fundamental system. The basic principles of the system provide a way to test new techniques and exercises to make sure they fit into the system before incorporating them into the athlete’s...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/every-great-coach-clings-to-a-fundamental-system","title":"Every Great Coach Clings to a Fundamental System.","summary":"\n\"Every great coach clings to a fundamental system. The basic principles of the system provide a way to test new techniques and exercises to make sure they fit into the system before incorporating them into the athlete’s...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T17:21:37Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/its-all-in-your-head","html_content":"

Riding starts in the head, both psychologically and physically. Inside, riders need to have the flexibility of focus and concentration; being able to move between an inner awareness of their own body, their horse’s body,...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/its-all-in-your-head","title":"It's All In Your Head","summary":"Riding starts in the head, both psychologically and physically. Inside, riders need to have the flexibility of focus and concentration; being able to move between an inner awareness of their own body, their horse’s body,...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T17:15:32Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-exorcist-rider","html_content":"

The ability to move your head in its full range of motion is of great importance to riders and should not be overlooked! \nIf the head is not held in a correct posture on a daily basis, a blocked occipital joint (located ...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-exorcist-rider","title":"The Exorcist Rider","summary":"The ability to move your head in its full range of motion is of great importance to riders and should not be overlooked! \nIf the head is not held in a correct posture on a daily basis, a blocked occipital joint (located ...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T17:07:58Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/a-solid-foundation-is-everything","html_content":"

The Rider’s Training Scale is the theory and backbone of our rider development. Just as there is a training scale for the correct development of the horse, there is also one for the rider. Relaxation, Balance, and Rhythm...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/a-solid-foundation-is-everything","title":"Foundation is Everything","summary":"The Rider’s Training Scale is the theory and backbone of our rider development. Just as there is a training scale for the correct development of the horse, there is also one for the rider. Relaxation, Balance, and Rhythm...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T16:41:51Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-riders-seat-is-more-than-just-your-bum","html_content":"

Too often, riding Instructors define a “correct” seat in specific, almost concrete terms, and they see it as their job to mold their riders to fit this ideal. \nIn reality, a “correct seat” is unique to each rider, taking...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-riders-seat-is-more-than-just-your-bum","title":"More Than Just Your Bum","summary":"Too often, riding Instructors define a “correct” seat in specific, almost concrete terms, and they see it as their job to mold their riders to fit this ideal. \nIn reality, a “correct seat” is unique to each rider, taking...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T16:17:36Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-lopsided-head-affect","html_content":"

Did you know that most people tend to hold their heads a bit lopsided? This is caused by imbalances in the neck muscles. Just by carrying our heads with a slight tilt, we produce changes in our spine. Yes, the slightest ...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/the-lopsided-head-affect","title":"The Lopsided Head Affect","summary":"Did you know that most people tend to hold their heads a bit lopsided? This is caused by imbalances in the neck muscles. Just by carrying our heads with a slight tilt, we produce changes in our spine. Yes, the slightest ...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T16:02:53Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/watch-out-for-the-correct-seat","html_content":"

Teaching methods tend to be based solely on external analysis and develop riders whose motions are controlled by the directions of the instructor. As a result, the rider rarely takes any initiative on their own, rather, ...

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/watch-out-for-the-correct-seat","title":"Watch Out for the \"Correct\" Seat","summary":"Teaching methods tend to be based solely on external analysis and develop riders whose motions are controlled by the directions of the instructor. As a result, the rider rarely takes any initiative on their own, rather, ...","date_modified":"2018-10-10T15:51:46Z"},{"id":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/bad-posture-is-no-good-for-riders","html_content":"

","url":"https://theridersmechanic.com/blog/f/bad-posture-is-no-good-for-riders","title":"Bad Posture is No Good for Riders!","summary":" ","date_modified":"2018-10-10T15:15:19Z"}]}