Bruised butt from riding without stirrups! How can I fix that?

I have never had a bruised butt from riding either Sky. Guess you & me don't have enough "junk in our trunk"!

I have to say, my butt gets bruised sometimes. Well, the bones more like. I've only been riding of august last year and I had about a month or so off until 2 weeks ago. On my lesson yesterday, I realized just how bad it was when I went to do sitting trot and bounced everywhere. I think the key word is RELAX. But my canter went very well!!

It sounds like you're not sitting properly or your are clenching your butt. Your seat should be soft and follow the horse not pound on his back. Try to relax and breathe from your toes when you're sitting and soften your seat. You may also try a deeper seated saddle. Use your core muscles to stay centered and still and your hips to follow.

You should not have bruises on your butt. I have ridden many hard gaited horses and never bruised.

Sore muscles, sure, that goes with the territory.

Sorry I meant to say sore, not bruised.

Make sure you're breathing normally and keep your hips relaxed. Sounds stupid but try to talk to someone or talk to yourself. Keep the breath moving and move with the horse.

See, I don't get a sore butt. I get sore groin and thigh muscles. I've been doing this once a week for two years. And I'm ALWAYS sore the day after I ride. What's with that? (not trying to hijack your thead!)

Are you squeezing your thighs? Trying to keep yourself still with your hips? Keep yourself still with your core muscles (abs, stomach, chest) and try to relax that area.

Corazon.. you're working out! Horse riding is a sport.. it's a huge workout. Especially if you do something you haven't done a lot of.. like trotting stirrupless or canter transitions.

Just make sure to drink well and eat enough to support the energy you're burning. Get plenty of sleep so your muscles have a better chance at regenerating (sp?)

Okay thanks I just wondered if that was normal. I was thinking it would be easier after a while, but that seems to be untrue for me! I will try using my abs and chest. I think I do use my thighs a little too much.

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