BREAKING BAD HABITS

Top trainers share their advice for fixing the most common bad habits they see among their students.

- LAURA BOYNTON JOBSON

Riders of all ages suffer from them. Experienced as well as beginner riders struggle with them, the horses we ride have to endure them, and every trainer can spot them: bad riding habits.

The following tips from top trainers and exhibitors will show you how to honestly evaluate your physical and mental trouble spots to form better habits in the saddle.

CONNECTION

Trainer Clint Fullerton owns Fullerton Equine in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and says that your riding shouldn't be all about outperforming others or progressing the fastest.

"That's a sure way to lose sight of what is really important-the connection with your horse," he says. "There's no such thing as a perfect rider or horse, and comparing your riding abilities or your horse's talents to your peers isn't healthy or realistic. A rider who is too wrapped up in being the best usually forgets the basics."

UPPER BODY

The best advice trainer Colton Smith, owner of Smith Horse Company in Kankakee, Ill., can give a rider who has issues with their hands and arms is to practice their upper-body riding position on and off the horse until it feels completely natural.

"Have a friend or your trainer take pictures and videos of your rides to help you see the habits for yourself," Colton says.

Another thing he suggests is to stand in front of a mirror and pull your riding position together:

♥Back and neck straight

♥Shoulders back and chest lifted

♥Slight bend of your arms and elbows at your sides

♥ Wrists at a right angle with thumbs on top and fingers closed on pretend reins

"Then walk around, trying not to let your position come undone," Colton says. "Check yourself in the mirror to see if any part of your body changed, and what position was easier for you to hold. That will give you a good idea on what needs to be worked on."