Feet Off the Ground

Confident Riding.

Riding a horse can feel exhilarating, but for many, it also comes with a sense of unease. One key contributor to this lack of confidence is the simple fact that your feet are off the ground. This disconnection from the earth removes the natural sense of stability that humans rely on for balance and control. Unlike standing or walking, where you can easily adjust to maintain equilibrium, being in a saddle on a horse forces you to depend entirely on the animal and your riding posture for support.

When your feet are off the ground, it’s easy to feel vulnerable and out of control. The horse becomes your sole foundation, and its movements can feel unpredictable or overwhelming. This can create a heightened sense of uncertainty, especially for new or anxious riders. Every movement of the horse’s body can feel amplified, feeding into fears of falling or being unable to maintain balance.

Furthermore, the lack of a physical connection to the ground can make it harder to engage the muscles needed for stability. Riders often need to rely on their core strength, legs, and balance techniques to stay secure in the saddle. Without the feedback of solid ground beneath your feet, it can be challenging to feel how to properly distribute your weight or correct your posture, adding to the insecurity.

Overcoming this mental hurdle often requires learning to absorb energy from the ground through the horse’s feet. This process requires time and practice since a rider will need to learn to control the horse’s feet from the saddle. There are many techniques and lessons on controlling a horse’s feet but the underlining reason should be identified.

As riders become more familiar with controlling the horse’s feet and develop the skills to use their body effectively, confidence gradually builds. Learning to trust the horse and understanding how to work in harmony with its motion can transform the sensation of floating into one of partnership and control, easing the initial fears of having your feet off the ground.

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