. Most of the stiffness seems to be in my hips and thighs so the broken pelvis probably caused it. My instructor says my hips don't look quite aligned either. Does anyone know of any stretches/exercises I could do on or off the horse to get rid of some of the stiffness or unalignmnet?
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I suggest dancer's stretches. Dancer's always loosen by stretching, and you stretch an equal amount on both sides of your body. They don't throw themselves into the stretching, like other athletes do, just gentle pulses and a LOT of relaxing and holding the stretch.
Since you've had an injury I would look for an adult ballet class to learn. They KNOW that you are not candidate for a professional dancer, so you won't be pushed. Dancers typically hyperflex. If you are an older rider you might throw your back out attempting this!!
While on the horse, MY instructor had us warm up by reaching for the ears, reaching for the tail, (change hands, repeat), reach R hand to R foot, L hand to L foot, then R hand towards L foot, L hand towards R foot, then lay back. Repeat 3-5x. We did this at the walk, then later at the trot and at the canter. ALWAYS on safe school horses!!!!
It's a physical thing and improves your confidence in your own body.
Since you've had an injury I would look for an adult ballet class to learn. They KNOW that you are not candidate for a professional dancer, so you won't be pushed. Dancers typically hyperflex. If you are an older rider you might throw your back out attempting this!!
While on the horse, MY instructor had us warm up by reaching for the ears, reaching for the tail, (change hands, repeat), reach R hand to R foot, L hand to L foot, then R hand towards L foot, L hand towards R foot, then lay back. Repeat 3-5x. We did this at the walk, then later at the trot and at the canter. ALWAYS on safe school horses!!!!
It's a physical thing and improves your confidence in your own body.
