Why is it bad to have tensed up shoulder muscles?

Answer 1

If the shoulder girdle is too tense the head of the upper arm will not track properly. This can easily lead to a dislocated shoulder in any situation where there is impact from beneath the arm, (think about a football receiver land on outstretched arms). The head of the arm bone should be able to glide up and down.

Tension headaches in the back of the head can also be from tightened upper traps and levators.

There is nothing wrong with developing upper traps for specific sports that involve head trauma, like boxing, mma, football, and dates with my sister. But generally, you want proper joint mechanics rather than bulky muscles that limit movement.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

I have always found it easier to canter if your stirrups are shorter. That way it's easier to keep the horse in a canter if he needs some extra encouragement. It also prevents your feet from accidentally slipping out. If you want to slow the canter, you slow like you would any other way. If the horse breaks, just push him back up into a canter and he should get the idea. If he doesn't want to stop, you make him. You are the boss! To sit deeper, think velcro bum. Your bum is attached to the seat with velcro! As for a bumpy canter, you just have to get into the swing of the individual canter. You can ride a canter 2 different ways: in 2 point or sitting. It's not good to bounce up and down with the canter because it damages the horse's back. Good luck!

Answer 3

Um...cause they cause headaches?