BODYZONE.
TACKLING
tension
WE’VE EXAMINED VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BODY IN OUR WHIRLWIND TOUR, PINPOINTING ISSUES AND IDENTIFYING HOW EACH OF THESE AREAS INTERCONNECTS FOR A MORE EFFECTIVE OVERALL POSITION. THERE’S ONE COMMON PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THAT HAS THE POWER TO AFFECT THE WAY WE RIDE: THE LOWLEVEL, WHOLE-BODY TENSION THAT MANY OF US HARBOUR WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING, SAYS ANDREA OAKES.
“Y INSET: TENSION CAN DETRACT FROM WHAT RIDERS ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE, POINTS OUT GRAND PRIX RIDER AND COACH HANNAH BIGGS.
ou can see how anxious some riders are,” says Alison Short, a British Dressage UKCC level three coach who teaches across a range of levels. “If you have a horse, a house, a family and a job to juggle, it’s understandable that your mind may be running at 90mph. You may ride well, but, if your heart rate is at warp speed, your emotions will affect your horse. “Dressage is all about building a union of understanding,” adds Alison, who has started a non-ridden group to help riders develop a way to connect with their bodies to address tension issues. “We can change the reaction of the horse by getting our mind in the right place before we even walk on the yard. The more we can learn to control our emotions on the ground, and in the saddle, the better that union will be.” According to grand prix dressage rider and coach Hannah Biggs, a certain level of stress or tension is only natural. “It comes down to us being human,” she explains. “We all have fear; it’s essential for survival. What’s important
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is not to be dismissive of this or feel that it’s wrong, but to fi nd ways of dealing with it In modern life, our minds are incredibly busy, explains Hannah. And in dressage, a sport that’s judged, our emotions can flare up ecause of perfectionism or self-criticism. “Horses are incredibly intuitive animals and can read our body language and physical energy,” ny mental issues will affect she e plains us physically. This can result in muscle tension, even if we’re not aware of it, which horses can feel and pick up on. “Tension can also cost us attention and focus, detracting from what we’re doing and trying to achieve,” adds Hannah. “To attain the mental freedom we need, we need to be aware of where tension comes from and learn how to manage it.” Hannah is a fan of psychology books and podcasts, doubling up her time on a long drive to an airport or a clinic to listen to motivational material. “I use that time to work on my mental strategy, or I’ll even listen while I’m riding as it helps me to focus,” she says. “I also use mindfulness apps and make time for a weekly check-in with myself. I’ll use an hour or two on a
