Can't keep my shoulders back?

[Semolina Pilchard]

Not only over the jumps but mostly around the course, it's very noticeable (and ugly).

I'm not sure if there's something wrong with me. I'm aware that it makes my horse fall on the forehand, and I'm trying hard to break this bad habit with few results

This issue really, really frustrates me. I can't seem to get it right. I've been trying to fix it for almost 6 months now.

I've even considered buying the "shoulder up" brace... do you have any opinions on that?

a jumper round from this weekend, you can really see how my shoulders tilt forward.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=102...1474639814
no hate please



Do you have any advice or tips?


thank you

[CDog]

I've seen much worse. Practice rolling your shoulders, letting them come to rest in the back position. Do it all the time, not just when riding. Think open chest. Lovely horse, by the way.

[Avian]

Love CDog's answer. Also, if you slide a dressage whip in the crook of your elbows behind your back and spend a lesson or two riding like that, you'll learn pretty quickly to keep your shoulders back. This is much more effective if you're wearing a short-sleeved shirt.

[EmEquine]

I also like CDogs answer.

To add to that I use a dressage whip to train myself as well as my horses. To help me keep a straight back with my shoulders back I often hook my elbows around the whip which bends it around my back. It's not possible to ride effectively this way but when I trail ride some of our quieter mounts I'll stay in this position for 5-10 minutes at a time.

Good luck!