Riding on the lunge is a great way to improve your riding and is a fantastic tool in helping develop a better seat. With the instructor controlling your horse, lunge lessons provide the perfect opportunity to focus on your position, your suppleness, and your balance. In this article we share some of our favourite exercises that focus on improving your upper body while riding.
Arm Circles
Arm circles are a great exercise to start with, and the perfect way to begin your warm-up routine. To perform an arm circle keep your torso centered in the saddle and move each arm in turn like you are swimming the backstroke. Be sure to keep your non-moving arms shoulder back and aligned with the horse.
T Exercises
There are a few T Exercises that we love in our lunge lessons. Each start with the rider in the T position – this is achieved by holding both arms straight out with your hands level with your shoulder.
The first T exercise involves lowering one arm from the shoulder height to our side, and returning it back to shoulder height. Repeat with the other arm.
The next T exercise consists of turning your truck to the inside circle while maintaining a centered, balanced seat and an even leg on each side of your horse. Turn your trunk to the outside circle while maintaining the steady and balanced seat, and leg positions. It is important to ensure that your hands stay in-line with your shoulders, that you do not allow your torso to collapse or fold, and that your legs do not change positions.
Toe Touches
Touching your toes while mounted isn’t easy, but it is a great way to improve suppleness. Start by reaching down to try and touch your toes on the same side, and then alternate to reaching across with the opposite hand/foot combo. Remember to repeat this exercise with both hands in each style of toe touch.
Hands Behind Your Back
This exercise is great for improving our internal rotation and flexibility. You want to start by putting your hands behind your lower back, and attempting to touch the opposite elbows. Don’t worry if you can’t reach right now. Practice makes perfect and your flexibility will improve.
Remember when attempting these exercises it is important to consider the rider’s ability, and also the horse’s experience. For the best results when mounted, it is a great idea to practice and rehearse the exercises unmounted either standing or sitting in a chair. For those who have completed these exercises mounted, and are looking for a bit more of a challenge you can progress to attempting these exercises without stirrups. Remember to always take the advice of your instructor, and go at a pace that is suitable for both the rider and the horse.