When it comes to improving your riding performance, you may think that mobility is the key. Yoga, Pilates, stretching – these are often the go-to methods for riders looking to enhance their flexibility and movement. But here’s the catch: mobility without stability can actually hurt your riding.
The Problem with Prioritizing Mobility
Years ago, I worked with a client who had incredible mobility. She could touch her toes, lift her knees high, and even bend backward – all despite having a spinal fusion. (BTW, I 10/10 do NOT recommend these exercises post-fusion; it's a terrible idea unless you want to create more wear & tear on both the surgical site and neighboring vertebrae. But I digress...)
When I asked her to stand on one foot, she wobbled and nearly fell. Her balance was practically nonexistent.
She had come to me for more mobility, believing it would keep her safe and improve her riding. But what she truly needed was stability. This is a common misconception among riders: chasing flexibility without building a strong, stable foundation first.
Why Stability Is Crucial for Riders
Think of stability like a safe investment strategy. Sure, you could dive into something high-risk like cryptocurrency, chasing quick gains. But without a stable foundation, you risk losing it all.
Compare that to reliable investments like high-yield savings accounts or bonds. They’re steady, predictable, and offer long-term returns.
In riding, stability is that reliable investment. Without it, your mobility can leave you unbalanced, tense, and struggling to connect with your horse. You'll grip instead of communicate, compensate in your spine instead of sitting upright, and your transitions will be choppy and inelegant.
Signs You Lack Stability in the Saddle
Difficulty maintaining balance during transitions or turns.
Feeling "too loose" or moving too much in the saddle.
Compensating with tension in your upper body
Trouble keeping alignment over jumps or in half-seat
Gripping with your legs, seat, hands.
Forgetting to breathe
If any of these sound familiar, you may need to focus on building stability before pursuing more mobility.
The Solution
: Support > Stability > Strength
To ride better, you need a solid progression:
Support:Â Start with better breathing to support your spine. Proper breathing creates the foundation for spinal stability by engaging your core and building what we call intra-abdominal pressure (aka an air bag that supports the spine from the bottom up).
Stability:Â Once your spine feels supported, you can begin to unlearn old muscle movement patterns that no longer serve you in the saddle. Learning better motor control improves your ability to stay aligned and connected.
Strength:Â With support and stability in place, you can then safely develop strength to enhance your riding performance further.
How to Build Support and Stability
The first step is improving how you breathe. Many riders breathe shallowly into their chest, which doesn’t engage the deep core muscles needed for spinal support. Instead, focus on breathing into your lower ribs and abdomen. This simple adjustment can:
Enhance spinal stability
Improve balance and posture
Lay the groundwork for better mobility and strength
Ready to Transform Your Ride?
Building stability doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with intentional breathing exercises a few times a day, directing the breath into your lower ribs and abdomen. Notice how your body responds. From there, you can progress to stability-focused movements that align with your riding goals.
Even better? Schedule a chat with me to see if you're an excellent candidate for my EquiForm Advantage coaching program! Dates & times available here.
Remember, stability comes first. Mobility and strength will follow naturally when you have a strong, stable foundation. Don’t skip the steps – your horse, and your body, will thank you for it.
What are your biggest challenges with stability and mobility in the saddle? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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