Don't lean back, push in your stirrups and try to steer your horse to much when riding down a hill! That goes against everything you've been taught, right?
Here's why. When you lean back in your saddle, thrust your feet forward and push into your stirrups what you are really doing is causing your horse to get heavy on the forehand. You are pushing into the middle of his back and actually blocking him from using his body efficiently to negotiate going down the hill. As he struggles to carry you down while you are blocking him, he loses his balance and then you try to over steer him. He could end up rushing down the hill and pushing through the bit because his hindquarters were strung out behind him.
Try this instead. When sitting in your saddle, think about tucking your tail (if you had one), rounding your lower back. (versus hollowing it out and causing you to perch in the saddle) This tucked tail/rounded lower back position will put you on your balance point. Your rear end becomes an anchor in the saddle. This will lighten your feet in the stirrups, because you are not bracing. Your feet should be 'resting' in the stirrups, not pushing. Your legs should hang against his sides. Let your hips go with his motion as he moves down the hill. Think of your hips individually like a slinky. Each hip moving independently with your horse. Stay in the middle of the saddle as your position will allow your horse to use his body efficiently. He too, will be able to round his back, tuck his tail and be able to use his hindquarters to help him. Focus your eyes straight ahead, not down! If you look down, you'll hit the ground. Point your horse down the hill and allow him to bring you there. He will watch where he is going if you stay out of his way. The only time you should pick up the reins is if he gets to fast. Momentum can cause this. You will raise one rein up, keeping the other rein low, just enough to slow his feet as he picks his way. Or you could stop him on the way down. Stop straight, letting you both regroup. Get your body in position and continue on. Same thing applies if you are going down the hill at an angle vs straight down.
Try this body position on a barrel on its side first to get the feel of it. Feel how your rounded back and tucked tail makes your rear end the anchor in the saddle. Feel how light your legs and feet are. In fact, you should be able to pick your feet up off the ground one at a time without coming off of your balance point. Keep your eyes up and leave the reins alone unless you need to rate his speed.
If you can arrange your body to stay out of your horse's way, he will be more successful at getting you down the hill safely and comfortably for you both.
Be advised that everything you read here are suggestions for different strategies of training and safety tips. These suggestions and strategies come from experiences and years of learning according to the horse. These tips are not meant to take the place of professional help when necessary.
If you are unsure about what you read here or are not experienced enough to try some of them, don't hesitate to email me at ntrlgait@acegroup.cc . Perhaps a personal session with myself, guiding you with hands on, would be more appropriate. A simple clarification through email or one on one guidance is always better than guessing.
Enjoy the tips, stay safe, be smart and put your horse first in your training.
Terri Jordan
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