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The Only Time Failure Comes Before Success is in the Dictionary!
It’s a great saying, even if it’s not technically true! But I was reminded of it during a recent clay pigeon shooting lesson, and it got me thinking about riding. With shooting hitting the target is the goal, but I quickly realised that I learned far more from the misses. And it's exactly the same in riding.
Do You Keep Struggling with the Same Riding Issues?
Some things feel easier than others when riding, and everyone is different—whether it’s a type of transition, a movement, or a jump. For me, when shooting, there are certain targets that come more naturally, and it’s fun to practice (hitting them is what you want!), but even then, I’m only hitting about 75%, and my goal is 100%. More often than not, the misses are due to tension or overthinking—both of which need addressing if I want to compete. But I always want to practice the hard ones, challenging myself. With riding, we can get into the habit of mainly doing the parts we know we can do and accepting less than perfection when we do it.
But the more difficult challenges provide even more learning opportunities- if we view them that way- rather than just finding them hard or accepting mediocrity. Those difficult shots (which annoyingly seem easy for others!) where I’m only getting something right 40% of the time mean that each mistake provides valuable information. In shooting, I adjust my stance, eye placement, or timing. In riding, we should ask similar questions—is the same thing going wrong every time? If so, what needs adjusting? Can you change it, or is it a rider alignment issue, a lack of core stability, stiffness, weakness, or a timing problem? If not is is it more of an understanding issue?
Why Analysing Your Riding is Crucial for Improvement
This is where I believe riding lags behind other sports. In disciplines like golf or tennis, if your swing isn’t working, you analyse which part is off—your backswing, hip movement, grip, or even eye placement. Riders, however, often keep repeating the same mistakes, hoping they’ll improve just by doing more (read here why practice doesn’t always mean perfection). Many riders come to me because they’re tired of being told the same things in lessons—heels down, hands still, fold more, more leg, sit back etc. They want to know why they struggle with these things and how they can fix them.
Interestingly, on one of my first shooting lessons, I got into a discussion about my job with the instructor, who mentioned shoulder pain. She didn’t think it was affecting her shot, but as we talked, we realised she had been inconsistent at times. We analysed her shot—combining her knowledge of shooting with my expertise as a sports physio and biomechanics—and we pinpointed the issue. We assessed her shoulder, recorded her from behind, reviewed her positioning, and she adjusted her shot—she was amazed at the results! A few days later, she emailed to say she had done really well in her recent shoot and wanted to thank me for helping her.
By looking at her physical alignment and compensations, we could see why she had been inconsistent. Would she have worked it out on her own by continuing to shoot or with her coach? Maybe, but it would have taken many more shots and a lot of missed ones before she improved. And again, it’s the same for riding—yes, you will likely improve over time, but is there a more efficient, quicker, kinder way (for both horse and rider) to improve?
Common Riding Problems and How to Fix Them
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. But that’s exactly what riders do! They accept the problems—a difficult right rein, a less effective leg yield, a pole knocked down here or there. Riders struggle with the same issues for days, months, or even years without breaking things down to understand the root cause. They get told its a bad habit and to 'just do X/Y/Z to fix it' (read here why gripping isn't normally just a bad habit)
Some riders, especially beginners, are told to do things without anyone actually explaining how—for example, how to properly apply leg aids. Imagine a tennis player being told to hit the ball with spin without discussing grip, swing technique, or footwork! It’s the same in riding—understanding the mechanics makes all the difference.
That’s why I love my job as a rider physio. I help riders figure out what’s happening, what’s causing the problem, and how to improve—both on and off the horse.
The Result? Lightbulb Moments!
"Jen, you have transformed my riding! I've just had a lesson on him today—he's always been so hard to get going and barely listens to me. Today was amazing! He listened, reacted, and we trotted for the whole lesson. I still have issues with my lower leg, but sitting more correctly has made me more effective, much more balanced, and stable! Thank you! I still have a way to go, but from us plodding around to having a lovely forward trot is such progress after just one session with you! I'm buzzing!"
These moments make all the difference—not just in training but in overall enjoyment. When riders understand what’s happening, they make real progress, have more productive lessons, and feel more confident when competing.
How Can You Start Analysing Your Riding?
Identify the issue – What specifically isn’t working? (E.g., stiff transitions, struggling with straightness, uneven rein pressure.)
Break it down – Is it a technical problem, a rider alignment issue, a core stability or physical limitation, or a habit?
Test solutions – Try small adjustments and see what changes. Film yourself or get feedback.
Get expert guidance – Sometimes, an outside perspective makes all the difference.
If you want help with this then book in for a Rider Physio session at Racewood HQ, Cheshire using state of the art simulators which provide objective information (from sensors) about your riding. Using a mechanical horse means we can completely focus on you and your riding.
See the Difference with SymmFit Clothing
One of the best ways to see and understand your rider alignment is by using SymmFit clothing. Designed with biomechanical feedback in mind, SymmFit features lines and colours that highlight asymmetries and misalignments, making it easier to visually track your position and make necessary adjustments. Whether you're struggling with straightness, balance, or symmetry in the saddle, SymmFit clothing can provide instant visual cues to help you improve your riding performance. What’s great about SymmFit is that when you video yourself riding, you can see in real time what is moving where. Just like with this rider—the difference in her position was simply from the left and right stride of the horse!
"Can't believe how good your top is for highlighting my wonkiness! It wasn't where I thought it was."
Get Your Riding Analysed as Part of Your Subscription
As part of the Rider Physio Video Subscription, you’ll also have the opportunity to get your riding analysed! Send in your riding videos (via WhatsApp), and I will provide expert feedback to help pinpoint problem areas and suggest tailored exercises to improve your strength, control, and effectiveness in the saddle.
"Thank you so much. I now have a starting point for changing my position. It's scary how much of what you have said makes sense! I have now noticed how much more I bear weight on my right side off the horse as well!"
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