Horse Simulators?

[sjp1]

Yesterday, I went on a horse simulator. I have a real problem with being one sided and thought a horse simulator would be ideal to show up my problems.

Our builder's partner has one and also teaches Alexander Technique and is a qualified BHSAI instructor. This incredibly elegant lady greeted me, and was soooo helpful.

I apparantly collapse over my right hip which she picked up immediately and said that as I had had whiplash, my neck is almost disappearing downwards (not really what I wanted to hear, but very helpful!!) By the end of the session, I was managing to support my right hip and elongate my neck, but I would so recommend it for anyone who has similar issues.

Simulator is a 17hh black horse who can do advanced dressage moves, trots like a warm blood and doesn't spook, buck, or spin!!!

 

[Mr Ed]

Yesterday, I went on a horse simulator. I have a real problem with being one sided and thought a horse simulator would be ideal to show up my problems.

Our builder's partner has one and also teaches Alexander Technique and is a qualified BHSAI instructor. This incredibly elegant lady greeted me, and was soooo helpful.

I apparantly collapse over my right hip which she picked up immediately and said that as I had had whiplash, my neck is almost disappearing downwards (not really what I wanted to hear, but very helpful!!) By the end of the session, I was managing to support my right hip and elongate my neck, but I would so recommend it for anyone who has similar issues.

Simulator is a 17hh black horse who can do advanced dressage moves, trots like a warm blood and doesn't spook, buck, or spin!!!

I could so do with that, having some saddle slipping/lopsidedness issues.. Where is this based? Well done - pleased you've found something helpful!

 

[sjp1]

In Devon - Culmstock. Highly recommend as you just don't see what you are doing. I knew I was uneven, but just not why.

 

[LBrider]

Sorry, don't know how to post a link to a different part of the site, so here is a copy and paste of my entry in Riding School Diaries which may be of interest.


ANYHOO......

Am now back from my lesson on 'Strider', or as my OH called him, 'that electric 'orse.'

Strider makes forward/back and side to side movements. A computer screen shows you how centrally you are sitting, how well your bum is fixed to the seat of the saddle, how in front or behind the movement you are and generally how your centre of balance compares with the 'horses' and what contact is like on each rein. This is done in the three gaits.

Now, obviously, although in many respects it does feel like the real thing, Strider clearly does not loose rhythm, change pace without being asked, trip over his own hooves or decided to swing his neck round to see what his mates up the field are doing. So, to me, the real benefit of him is feeling and remembering the feel of how it SHOULD be.

Using the read outs from the computer, Becky made adjustments to my position which felt quite unnatural at first (because I is unfit and fat, innit?) but made a world of difference the next time I 'rode'. There is also a mirror directly in front of you and one to the side. We don't have these at my RS, and let me tell you, it was a revelation. Especially the one in front of me. I noticed that my right leg falls away from my hip at a completely different angle to the left. This makes my lower leg stick out no matter how hard I try not to let it. Looking at the read out from the computer, it was clear to see how this strange angle of my leg pushes my hips and seatbone over to the left. Becky helped me to correct this as much as I could, and I will continue to work on it.

Becky has a very natural way of explaining things. She manages to put things across in a way that is easy for even a novice to understand, but she avoids being in any way patronising. She is also clearly passionate about helping the rider achieve more, and making life more comfortable for our poor horses!

To sum up, I would say today was well worth the money. I learnt an amazing amount, which I can't wait to put into practice next week, and just as importantly, I really enjoyed it. Strider is a great machine, very informative and you can relaxed and feel confident because you know he's not going to play up. But Strider wouldn't be half so good if used with a different type of instructor, and for me, Becky was just great.

Well done for reading this far peeps!

 

[Flipo's Mum]

I think I'll be going in this direction at some point, I have lopsidedness and am always convinced my stirrups are wrong. Could be a bit of saddle slippage as well I guess but I think its me. I'd also like to get my walk sorted out and stop polishing the saddle when we're moving. Did you feel it helped when you got back on Toby SJP1?

 

[LBrider]

If anyone is interested there is a feature in this months Horse magazine about the confidence courses run by Becky Chapman and Pete Doherty and does feature 'Strider', the horse simulator I went on on Friday. Haven't had chance to read it all through yet but does have a mahoosive picture of Strider (who I very nearly patted and said 'good boy' to.)

 

[sjp1]

I think I'll be going in this direction at some point, I have lopsidedness and am always convinced my stirrups are wrong. Could be a bit of saddle slippage as well I guess but I think its me. I'd also like to get my walk sorted out and stop polishing the saddle when we're moving. Did you feel it helped when you got back on Toby SJP1?

Yes, it did help actually once he stopped pratting about!! Had to really really concentrate though on not letting my right hip push out and had to kind of block it with my left hip if that makes any sense?