Biomechanics of the Rider
"Mechanics is the paradise of all sciences” ~Leonardo da Vinci
All too commonly as riders, we are told: “use the leg”, “brace the back”, “do a half halt”, “be more still/stable”, “be
more elastic”, “use your seat”, and “relax”. All too often we are not told HOW to do that – what is the mechanism
we need to use?!
Riding instruction at Osierlea addresses biomechanics of the rider, as well as effective use of the 6 main
physical influences of the rider on their horse.
Biomechanics of the Rider include:
1. Position – posture in the saddle
2. Seat/Dynamic – not just buttocks; the tone and function of the upper body per gait
3. Stability – ability to avoid being displaced, must precede elasticity
4. Elasticity – muscle tone, springy tension – not flaccid
5. Use of ‘Yes muscles’ and ‘No muscles’ – help us understand HOW to do WHAT
The 6 main physical effects of the rider – (some effects on the horse are mechanical, and others are horse-
learned responses to rider cues)
Understanding terms and concepts like “abduction” and “adduction”, “flexion” and “extension”, “stable and
unstable balance”, “springy (or ‘elastic’) tension” , “co-contraction” is crucial to a better understanding of rider
function and effect on the horse. Definitions of these can be found in the USDF Glossary of Judging Terms
(written by Jeff)
"Mechanics is the paradise of all sciences” ~Leonardo da Vinci
All too commonly as riders, we are told: “use the leg”, “brace the back”, “do a half halt”, “be more still/stable”, “be
more elastic”, “use your seat”, and “relax”. All too often we are not told HOW to do that – what is the mechanism
we need to use?!
Riding instruction at Osierlea addresses biomechanics of the rider, as well as effective use of the 6 main
physical influences of the rider on their horse.
Biomechanics of the Rider include:
1. Position – posture in the saddle
2. Seat/Dynamic – not just buttocks; the tone and function of the upper body per gait
3. Stability – ability to avoid being displaced, must precede elasticity
4. Elasticity – muscle tone, springy tension – not flaccid
5. Use of ‘Yes muscles’ and ‘No muscles’ – help us understand HOW to do WHAT
The 6 main physical effects of the rider – (some effects on the horse are mechanical, and others are horse-
learned responses to rider cues)
- Reins – learned responses
- Whoa
- Raise head/thorax
- Alignment of neck to body
- Elasticize connection
- Simple turn (leading rein)
- Flexion
- Release (‘uberstreichen’)
- Timed effect on moment of lift of the legs
- Legs – learned responses
- Go
- Sideways (either end or whole horse)
- Lateral displacement of weight – mechanical effect
- Engage inner hind (relative to direction of flexion or turn)
- Dynamic per gait – mechanical effect
- Tempo (trot and canter, not walk)
- Frontal/Sagittal plane placement – mechanical effect
- Parallelism to line of travel or reference; tangential on circle
- Direction of pressure or dynamic – mechanical effect
- Steering without reins or excessive legs - with lessening use of reins/interference with reins
Understanding terms and concepts like “abduction” and “adduction”, “flexion” and “extension”, “stable and
unstable balance”, “springy (or ‘elastic’) tension” , “co-contraction” is crucial to a better understanding of rider
function and effect on the horse. Definitions of these can be found in the USDF Glossary of Judging Terms
(written by Jeff)