THE SEAT OF
communication SO FAR WE’VE LOOKED AT THE HUMAN BRAIN AND ITS POWER TO AFFECT RIDING PERFORMANCE. THIS TIME ANDREA OAKES MOVES ON TO THE BODY, STARTING WITH THE AREA THAT FORMS THE FOUNDATION OF POSTURE AND BALANCE: THE PELVIS.
S
ince this bony, bowlshaped structure connects the trunk and the legs, it is not surprising that the positioning of the pelvis can have far reaching effects throughout the body. In the saddle, pelvic issues can travel up the spine, shifting the shoulders and neck out of alignment to compensate, or downwards, limiting leg mobility and overall stability. As the ‘interface’ between horse and rider, the pelvis affects not ust our posture but also how clearly the aids are applied and transmitted. Science is now proving what we’ve always known, that stiffness or asymmetry does not go unnoticed by the well-trained horse. A recent study revealed that horses whose riders achieved better
50 // Issue 3 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
pelvic mobility on a Swiss ball worked with more harmony and showed fewer con ict beha iours. According to biomechanics expert Lindsay Wilcox-Reid (www.equipilates.com), the key to good mobility and a correct, centred position is full function of the ‘suspension system’ - the muscles that surround the pelvis and hip oints. “ he pel is is the first part of the body that receives forces from the horse, which must be absorbed and dissipated through the system,” says Lindsay, explaining that the horse’s gait cycle creates forces in threedimension: forward and back, side to side and in rotation. “There is a very small amount of mo ement in the pel ic oints, which is crucial for effecti e shock absorption. Instead of
helping to support and stabilise these oints, howe er, the surrounding muscles can become overactive and slightly ‘stuck’, restricting pelvic movement.” This overactivity can be an unfortunate spin off of modern life, says Lindsay, especially for deskbound riders who have been working from home during the pandemic. “Lack of movement can contribute, so sitting for long hours at a laptop without the benefit of ergonomic furniture doesn’t help,” she explains. “Restriction in the pelvis can also develop as a result of too much repetitive movement, or a sudden spook, buck or olt that knocks your suspension system out of balance. “Gradually, the muscles enter a low-grade spasm to protect a
