Finding your center and riding from your center is a very helpful technique. Weather you are just starting out learning to ride Dressage, or you are an FEI rider, this concept can really help you to be a more effective and confident rider!
Your “center” when riding is found by placing your finger on your belly about 3-4 inches below you belly button. Your center is behind your finger and in front of your spine.
Why centering?
Human activities make us top heavy. We tend to do so much with our hands and the front part of our body that our brains are wired to go to this first. In riding however it is really important that all of the aids and all of the feeling goes to the center.
The Centering Exercises:
- Drop your stirrups and let your legs hang
- Feel your pelvis in the saddle
- Find your center by placing your finger below your navel
- Breathe deeply all the way into your center
- Close your eyes – this can help to focus more on feeling rather than seeing
Centering and Riding:
There are moments when maintaining your center are hugely important
- When you and or your horse get nervous or tense
- During a transition or anytime that you want to influence your horse
- When you are trying to follow the motion of the horse
Next time you ride, focus on this concept of centering. Anytime you or your horse starts to feel unorganized, disconnected, or anxious, focus on your center. Let me know if this is helpful to you!
