Any Dressage riders who seat changed

Hey everyone -- Not sure if there are too many dressage riders, but I have been riding dressage for about 12 yrs. I have a pretty independant seat - although with my added weight - it's hard for me to stablize my hands independantly. I am still pre-op - but I have noticed since I have been losing on my 3 month pre-diet that my balance is changing and I have been sitting differently... I realized that when I "sat" - it was usually my weight just pushing down in his back and not really me USING my seat. I am down about 28 lbs and I had a slight "light bulb" moment that the next 12 months are going to be very interesting in my riding. I can't wait to find out. Anyone Post-Op and still riding? I would love to hear their perspective on riding dressage. Thanks - Jen

Hi Jennifer, I aint much of a dressage rider, i'll use certain excersises for bending and flexing. But fact of the matter is a seat is a seat, no matter what style you ride. What your noticing is the change in center of balance. When we are heavier riders, we like to put and ride on our butts, instead of being more upright on foreward towards the crotch. Sorry for the wording but no other way to put it. We have to put more weight to the back and in our butts because of weight we carry in the front. If we has heavy people try to ride correctly, we throw our selves off balance and the horse as well. So right now you are noticing a shift and you will constantly. I am 10 1/2 months post op, down 158lbs. I quit riding at 310 my heighest weight was 400. I wasnt going to put a horse threw that, not even a draft. But now at 232, Riding is so much different, I have had to teach myself to ride more towards the crotch, or else my posts will be slamming down on the horses kidneys. It is odd to notice the change and adjust yourself as you go. But riding becomes easier and so much more fun. But that center change is what you are noticing, and it will keep changing. But you must adjust as you go. But lemme warn ya now, if you think you are going to have loose/ hanging skin, sitting trots are a nightmare unless you are wearing a girdle!!!! That will throw your balance and the horses balance off real bad and really quick. Learned that the hard way,I've already trained my horse for huntseat and english pleasure, and I am in the process of getting her to learn to jog to put her western once in a while, yes a tuff thing to do with a OTTB. Can we say bad things happen with sitting trots no matter how slow. LOL. Im pretty honest about things that happen with WL, even when people don't want to hear it nor realize what things will come about, cause you dont expect it. So if you ever want to talk or want to know more of my riding experience changes feel free to email me (u can get to it from my profile). *~*Nicole*~*

Nicole --Thanks for the reply --- I know my center of balance will change and it's going to be interesting how my seat will have to be more "ative" I am really looking forward to it. One thing I hadn't thought about was the loose skin... that's gonna be weird. Right now the sitting trot is difficult at best --- especially if my horse's back is not connected and that's often as I have a 1/2 Arab / 1/2 saddlebred whose back is LONG.... I will definitely take your advise on the girdle.... He is a GREAT BIG mover and can really extend. I have been really "dinged" in the show ring in the trot b/c of mh unsteady hand / weight in the sitting trot -- my hands bobbing make him appear uneven or even lame. (which he isn't) because in the posting trot - he is just fine... This is one of the reasons I am having this surgery. He deserves better! And my riding deserves better.. it's just not fair for me to expect him to be athlete and not due the time with him. Thanks for the response - and happy trails.

I am a Dressage rider but I am pre op for the Lap Band. Have you had your surgery yet?? I want to know how long before I can ride again!!javascript:setMainIcon('confused',15,22) Thanks for your help!!