HomePony Know HowRiding TipsFlatworkTeam PONY’s guide to #NoStirrupNovember

Team PONY’s guide to #NoStirrupNovember

Posted in Flatwork

Get ready to tackle #NoStirrupNovember

Riding without stirrups

Looking for something fun to try with your fave pony? Here at PONY HQ, we’re testing our riding skills and taking on the #NoStirrupNovember challenge! Why not join in, too?

Riding without stirrups might not feel like the comfiest thing if your pony’s super-bouncy, but there are heaps of benefits and with plenty of practise you’re sure to see a huge difference in your riding skills. Plus, it’ll help boost your bond with your equine friend!

Team PONY have come up with a week-by-week challenge checklist to super-charge your stirrup-less skills. Ride two schooling sessions a week where you can tackle the tasks set and by following our guide, you’ll progress quickly and be able to complete a whole session without stirrups by the end of week four – how awesome!

#NoStirrupNovember checklist

TOP TIP

Take a screenshot of our checklist or write it down so you’ve got it to hand when you’re in the saddle.

Here are our top tips to help you succeed without stirrups…

 

  1. STRETCH YOURSELF

Don’t forget to warm-up and stretch your own muscles before and after a stirrup-less session, not just your pony’s! Doing this will help you recover quickly, but if you’re feeling sore or stiff before a session, plan to do it another day so you can make the most of it.

 

  1. MOVE YOUR BODY

You’ll need to use your seat and sit tall to engage your tummy muscles when riding without stirrups – otherwise, you’ll easily become unbalanced and out of sync with your pony. Try to stay relaxed, too, so your bodyweight’s down through your legs. If you tense up, your pony might rush and feel really bouncy – not ideal!

 

  1. A HELPING HAND

Don’t be afraid to use a neck strap or hold onto your pony’s mane when you feel a bit wobbly. It’s better to do that than risk pulling on his mouth and relying on your reins for balance. If it makes you feel more confident, ride with one hand on the front of the saddle until you get the hang of it.

 

  1. DON’T CHANGE

Consistency is key! Just because you’re riding without stirrups, doesn’t mean you have to change how you ride. Keep your position and aids the same so your pony always knows what you’re asking. If you start to change things up, he’ll get confused.

 

  1. TAKE YOUR TIME

Remember that practise makes perfect, but there’s no pressure to tick off every box on the check list. If you don’t feel ready to move onto the next week, repeat the week so you’re feeling mega confident before you move up a level. Don’t overdo it, though, if you’re still a little wobbly – you don’t want your pony’s muscles to get sore. Rather than adding in more sessions each week, complete the challenge over a longer time period.

 

Don’t forget to take some photos and videos along the way and be sure to tag us on social media or send them to [email protected]!

Your Comments

3 responses to “Team PONY’s guide to #NoStirrupNovember”

  1. PonyQueen says:

    At the farm I stable my pony at always have this, Sadly I always fall of with my naughty girl…

    Thank you for teaching me these tricks!

  2. BTthe_equestrain22 says:

    Omg our lesson did this 2! We didnt know u we doing this too lol

  3. I like riding without styraps.
    Especially cantering!

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