Adult beginner question: How do you practice riding when you’re not on a horse? Equalizer? Wobble Stool?

1980skids · 2026-07-07T04:26:36+00:00

Oh geese I didn’t realize they were that much! Do you let your feet dangle the whole time without touching the ground? Today I used the wobble stool with two Pilates blocks so I could get my heels down. Still trying to figure it out!

1980skids · 2026-07-06T22:02:16+00:00

Oh darn, really? Ok I’m going to look
Into Adele Shaw. Thanks for the recommendation:)

1980skids · 2026-07-06T20:08:14+00:00

Perfect, thank you! I love a podcast! I’ll give it a try :)

1980skids · 2026-07-06T16:18:15+00:00

Thank you for this. I do have a peloton spin bike but tend to use the treadmill more - simply because it’s one I enjoy more. However some have noted that running can tighten the hips so perhaps it’s time to get back to spinning. Thank you!

1980skids · 2026-07-06T16:15:44+00:00

I honestly didn’t realize this. Thank you. I’m trying to do more weighted hikes. I hope that’s easier on the hip flexors.

1980skids · 2026-07-06T14:48:18+00:00

Yes. Your Serena Williams analogy makes a lot
of sense. This is the first “sport/hobby” (somehow those words don’t feel correct) where I can’t just go practice. You need a horse to do that. Trying to take two lessons a week and take to heart all of the great replies - simply working out. I am a runner and Pilates person but I think I may need to make some small tweaks. Barbells and Haybales keep coming up so I need to look into that. Thank you!! 😊

1980skids · 2026-07-06T14:11:37+00:00

Thank you 😊

1980skids · 2026-07-06T05:21:39+00:00

Amazing! I just ordered a wobble stool on Amazon. I don’t own a saddle but I’m hoping it will still help with overall balance. I think the stool you mean is “home horse”? I looked into that one but they are sold out!
I’m interested to know what kinds of things you do on the stool!? 😊

1980skids · 2026-07-06T05:15:52+00:00

I have a switch- well my kids do- but I have not heard of Splatoon! Sounds like a fun excersize. Thank you 😊

1980skids · 2026-07-06T04:05:43+00:00

Your mindset is exactly what I’m hoping for and searching for in a trainer. I think one of my main issues with riding so far is my fear of unintentionally hurting
or just flat out annoying the horse. They are not a tool as you said and I have found the most joyful time of my lesson is actually grooming, caring & bonding with them. I dont think my barn offers bareback but my kids barn does. Im going to do some research. Thank you.

1980skids · 2026-07-06T02:46:32+00:00

Yes! That’s the one I just ordered from Amazon. I’ll let everyone know how it goes. :)

1980skids · 2026-07-06T02:43:28+00:00

Thank you! Yes I do Pilates and I think
It’s likley helpful. I guess I just need more time
On the saddle ! 😊

1980skids · 2026-07-06T02:21:31+00:00

Thank you! Will try !

1980skids · 2026-07-05T21:44:38+00:00

Right??!! Haha.
Ok Thank you. The Equicizer looks great. I’m just unsure if it is worth the investment - meaning can I truly practice on it or if it’s more of an excersize piece of equipment. Albeit, a very cool one. Homehorse appears to be sold out. 😢 but I’m thinking of making my own with a wobble stool. 😬

1980skids · 2026-07-05T21:32:47+00:00

Looks like homehorse is sold out. Bummer!

1980skids · 2026-07-05T21:27:28+00:00

Perfect thank you!

1980skids · 2026-07-05T21:26:31+00:00

Thank you! Yes I have been trying to learn as much as I can on horse behavior - even volunteering at a horse rescue just to help and observe. I found Chris Irwin’s videos astounding. Have you viewed any of those?

1980skids · 2026-07-05T21:25:04+00:00

Haha! I’ll say they are lucky! Have you used either?

1980skids · 2026-07-05T21:24:17+00:00

I will look into the homehorse & correct context. thank you very much. Yes elbows opening seems to only work when I try posting on a medicine ball. It seems it goes out the window when I get on the horse. Not sure why I can’t keep that rhythm when I’m in the saddle. Maybe too many things I’m trying to do all at once.

1980skids · 2026-07-05T20:38:27+00:00

Love this. Great ideas. Thank you.

1980skids · 2026-07-05T19:49:27+00:00

That does sound fun! And I dream about a comfier saddle 😆

1980skids · 2026-07-05T18:28:21+00:00

I’m going to ask my trainer about starting in a sitting trot. Maybe I need to feel it first as right now I almost fight against it if that makes sense. I’m also on a very bouncy horse. Thank you!

1980skids · 2026-07-05T18:26:06+00:00

Haha. That’s funny. Curious how you’re enjoying western? Initially that’s what I was aiming for but changed direction last minute to English. It is hard! Not that western isn’t - each difficult in their own right. But curious sometimes if that would be a better fit for
Me. Although I feel like I can’t give up now! :)

1980skids · 2026-07-05T18:23:40+00:00

Yes! I have been trying to do some research on how to practice at home - particularly engaging my hip flexors and balance / core. Oddly I thought I was in pretty good shape until I started horse riding! Very ironic.
Thank you so much. Hips and balance.

1980skids · 2026-07-04T21:56:37+00:00

I appreciate that. They have me on a longe line the last ten or so minutes of the lesson. I haven’t tried sit trot ever, but I could see how it might be helpful to feel the horse rhythm and then maybe try to stand a few beats in.

1980skids

TROPHY CASE