When I canter my horse I get really bad stomach cramps. I dont bounce around in the saddle, I'm a good rider and know what I'm doing. It hurts so bad sometimes I have to make my horse stop and sit there for a bit. I generally dont eat before I go riding. Does this happen to you.?
2007-02-27 07:58:52 · 15 answers · asked by Jewels 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
The only thing that I can really think of is that your abdominal muscles are on the weak side and that could be causing the discomfort. If you don't feel the cramps at any other point, it's probably nothing more serious than muscle cramps. Most people don't realize just how much they depend on their core muscle groups when riding.
Try to start doing exercises to strengthen your core. One that I do is a variation on a crunch in which you sit on the floor with your knees bent and then start leaning back. Use your abdominal muscles to support your upper body, and when you're halfway to the floor, stop and hold the position for a count of fifteen. Then slowly lower yourself the rest of the way until you gently come to rest. Do this about five times a day and you will notice a definate change in your core strength in a relatively show amount of time. This is an exercise that we do in my bellydance class and when I told my trainer about it, she said that it would definately help my strength. Not to mention that it does trim your middle considerably.
2007-02-27 08:05:48 · answer #1 · answered by Ravanne_1 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Never heard of it.
Just cantering? You sound more tense than anything. Make sure you relax your stomach muscles a bit and sit back in the saddle.
My outside leg used to cramp whenever I cantered because I was nervous (first 2 yrs I was riding)- I didn't think I was, but you could tell from the ground.
Stomach cramps anytimes probably means you are nervous or not holding yourself in a correct riding position. Are your shoulders and seat back? Are you also drinking enough water before you ride? That can cause any muscles to cramp.
2007-02-27 09:13:07 · answer #2 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am definitely not a horse expet but I used to ride every Summer at a week camp. That very same thing happened to me. I had to stop riding for a while because I felt like I was about to cry. I never figured out what caused the problem, but I guess after a year of not riding, that's probably what made it go away for me. I really hope you do find an answer! I'm sorry Icouldn't help more.
2007-02-27 08:07:30 · answer #3 · answered by sarahh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you're out of shape! Don't get mad- I've gone through it after my pregnancies and most riders will if they have not yet.
Start doing core building exercises such as pilates, yoga, or crunches. This will not only improve your muscle tone but make you more flexible. It took me a while after my first kid to get into shape- but after wards I felt so much more comfortable in the saddle and my body wasn't jiggling like a bowl of jello all the time.
Start exercising and eating healthier and you'll notice a great difference in your riding and health. It will also build your stamina so you can ride longer at the canter
2007-02-27 09:03:01 · answer #4 · answered by silvaspurranch 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I get cramps like that when running for a long distance - I figured out that I can't drink water before running. I don't eat or drink for at least 5 or 6 hours before a run. I drink a lot of water the night before running so I don't dehydrate on my run. I would guess that it is probably this or your ab muscles. If you cross-train by doing sit-ups, dancing, or something else, it will build up your supporting muscles to help support the ab's you use when running. A doctor's visit wouldn't hurt, but I bet this is either a muscle or stomach cramp.
2007-02-27 08:39:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you could be holding your urine and maybe you should go to the bathroom before you canter. I gallop in western saddle in the fields and I get cramps. But I go to the washroom before I ride.
Oh and I got this after I got back from vacation. I hadn't galloped and cantered in awhile. I got up on my horse and cantered for a bit and I got really bad stomach cramps. So you might have not ridden for awhile and you got cramps or you might have to go pee. Or you might have your period and you might not know it.
Good luck!
2007-02-27 09:00:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you either need to do some work on developing the muscles in your abdomen and/or you need to see a doctor. To be on the safe side I would probably at least call my doctor and have a chat about this problem to see if he/she thinks it could be weak muscles or something more serious.
I've never had this problem at all while cantering and if I were to suddenly experience your symptoms I know I'd be getting myself checked out.
2007-02-27 08:27:56 · answer #7 · answered by tngapch 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sorry in all my experience riding and others I ride with none of us have ever had this problem. I think a visit with your doctor is in order. I asked 5 other people that I ride with regularly and all 6 of us have never heard of this! Please make a doctors appointment
2007-02-27 08:02:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
sometimes this happens to me, but only if i ride for a long time. Have you been riding fora long time, or did you just start? if you just started, then maybe your body just needs to get used to this, but just keep on riding, and if that happens, try to ignore it, but if it is really bad, do what you have been doing,
2007-02-27 08:28:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes well it used to happen to me and i found that u are prob trying to sit realy sraight well try just relaxing a bit not forward but back if your a good rider than you well ba able to control the horse and be confertable try it and see if it works.... tell me if it does
2007-02-27 08:04:38 · answer #10 · answered by oreo 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋