backs

http://www.equibooks.com/heuschmann.html

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The way I see it ........ there are two issues with this bareback and galloping discussion.
1) the horses' longissimus muscle runs horizontal to our weight and therefore has no "strength" upwards to carry us. Only with the 'bridge' dynamics can the muscle rise 'up'. In other words, when the muscle is long, relaxed, NOT contracted. So we are really talking about the psoas and nuchal muscles working to stretch the longissimus muscles. That is created in the gallop or the trot in the suspension phase. So yes, they can better carry us IN MOTION. As the expression goes we must learn to ride the MOVEMENT of the horse. Never be a passenger to be "packed" around by the horse. Remember we Dance WITH our horses.
2) is the issue of posture. Emphatically the horse must learn good posture and develop this 'bridge' dynamic before we even think about getting on. This must be done at liberty because the horse must learn it experientially and not be put into a frame that "looks like" self carriage.  The next (most important) part is WE must have good riding posture and impeccable self carriage - while on the horses' back. The ONLY way to do no harm. Because of this lack of self carriage on our part extreme damage is done to horses' back - with or without - the saddle.
Image what is possible ........ that we never ask our horses to "carry" us and we too can become as beautiful and powerful as they are ......... by JOINING them in the dance!