Episode 11: Stop Blocking Your Horse: How to Carry Yourself So Your Horse Can Move Freely

Have you ever felt your horse heavy in your hands, stiff to one side, or just not moving as freely as you’d like? Before blaming your horse, it’s worth asking: Could it actually be me?

In this episode of The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast, we’re exploring the rider’s position — how the way you sit, breathe, and carry yourself in the saddle can either free your horse’s movement… or unintentionally block it.

You’ll hear:

• Why your posture, balance, and breathing influence how your horse carries themselves.

• A simple at-home test to spot your own stiffness or asymmetry (and how it shows up in the saddle).

• Quick warm-up exercises you can do before riding to free your shoulders, open your chest, and create 30% more mobility.

• How to check your balance using bathroom scales (yes, really!).

• A fun in-hand exercise to reveal where your horse might be stiff — and how your own body position plays a role.

• Why “warming up the rider” can sometimes matter more than “warming up the horse.”

When you ride with balance and softness in your own body, you create the space for your horse to lift through the shoulders and back, use their core, and carry you with ease. Small adjustments in your seat and posture can make a big difference in how your horse moves and feels under you.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how to stop blocking your horse — so you can both enjoy more freedom, balance, and connection.

• Your horse already carries 60% of their body weight on the forehand — don’t add more with your posture.

• A blocked rider creates a blocked horse.

• Small warm-up rituals for yourself = big improvements for your horse.

• Balance and alignment aren’t about being perfect, but about being aware and fair.

• Join the conversation in the Happy Rider Healthy Horse Facebook Group.

• Watch the videos of rider balance tests mentioned in this episode (posted in the group).

• Learn more about the Masterson Method for releasing tension in your horse’s body.

• Interested in body alignment? Look up a certified DORN therapist in your area.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to:

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a short written review.

• Share this episode in your Facebook story or send it to a friend who could use a reminder that position matters just as much as training.

• Let me know what happens when you try these little experiments with your horse — come share your wins (and challenges) in the Facebook group. You’re not alone on this journey.

Until next time, ride with balance, ride with kindness, and stay connected with your horse. 🐴💛