My name is Johanna Janatuinen, I´m a physiotherapist, animal physiotherapist and riding instructor. A big passion of mine has always been training horses and also rehabilitation. This channel is all about horse and rider wellbeing, and horse and rider training and development. You will find tips to improve your riding in and out of the saddle, and especially on how to develop a better seat in the saddle, which I think all good riding eventually comes down to.
I have worked with horses and riders for more than 20 years, first training horses and teaching riding in Finland where I live and also abroad. Later I studied to become a physiotherapist and after that also specialized in animal physiotherapy. I treat and train horses and riders, my biggest focus being to develop the connection and understanding between rider and the horse.
This isn't what you see these days you see so much of riders sitting to far back in the saddle and the leg position pushed forward this isn't right you end up riding of the horses mouth because you are so unbalanced
I have a very wide little horse, and very short legs (28” inseam). Thank you for pointing out that our anatomies make differences, and how to envision proper foot position to improve leg use!!!
@@mjfrock Yes, it's so important to remember that we (and also the horses) are all different so cannot put everybody in the same box😊
5 дней назад
Great advice. Standing while on the trot is probably the best exercise to do in order to develop a stable lower leg and an independent seat. It also teaches NOT to use the reins to hold your weight. I started with 5 second stands, now I can do the entire lesson standing in the trot, walk, canter, jumps with minimal sitting.
Great video! A problem I've always had is being able to use my aids independently. My position "looks" lovely, but I'm not very effective. Any tips would be wonderful! Just subscribed.
@@Kelly_Ben Thank you🙏 yes the situation you described is quite common! Being able to use your aids independently is all about well funcyioning core muscles and good balance and alignment. When riding I would also recommend doing lots of transitions and half halts, and really making sure the horse responds. Also try to have a plan on what you want to achieve each ride😊
My trainer tells me to give the horse leg every time i come down because she doesn't want to go unless you make her. I feel so challenged to keep my legs still, but worse i feel like my feet splay out more when i go up, maybe it isnt too bad but thats what it feels like. Is that normal? Im very new to dressage and im on a lesson horse
That's a very common problem! Ideally the horse should go without you asking all the time, that would make it easier for you to keep your legs still and keep your balance. Have you tried tapping with the whip a little bit to make the horse a little more active?
@johannajequestrianphysio ohhhh ok no I don't have a whip. She's a lesson horse and when I switch to my horse I don't think I'll have that problem as he's much "hotter" but that's great to know that not everyone is always doing that. Thank you for the response!
Well since I still get terrified at a quick trot I may never make it to a canter 😂 it’s been a couple of months of lessons and I think I’m just always going to be a trotting walking wishing I was brave to canter girl. I lose my balance and I’m afraid I’m going to fall
@@kelleywyskiel3478 I'm sure you'll do fine, don't worry😊 Many people find cantering a lot easier than trotting but the first time is always exciting of course!
Hey! I just found you videos today and they're awesome I've already learnt so much !! Do you have heel stretches? My heels are very stiff and I can barely bend my legs (I can squat either YET) so if you have any advice I'd love that ! ❤
@@EquineG Thank you🙏 I'm so happy to hear my videos are helpful! I don't have any videos about that yet but it's a great idea, I'll definitely make one as soon as possible😊
My horse is very round and virtually no wither, I’ve tried 3 different saddles and they slip fairly easily! I try to keep myself centred in the saddle but can be challenging. I wonder if some sort of grip underneath will help however I’m concerned it may pinch or irritate the horses back?
@@midllifecrisis50pluss20 Yes, it's very difficult when they have that kind of conformation. Those grip things might be helpful, I think you just have to try different things to see what works best🤔
Hey! I also saw the other long comment and decided to give my own little contribution too :) I have watched many of your videos and I just love how to-the-point they are! I have learned so much from your videos. I started riding 2 years ago and I really love educating myself on rider anatomy and posture. Your videos have helped me master the rising trot, canter transitions and much more <3 I hope you realize how much your videos contribute to the equestrian field, it is difficult to find an online riding instructor who REALLY takes into account the horse welfare these days :'') Greetings from Estonia <3
Hello! I love the video. So I’m going to leave a nice long comment to boost your video for the RU-vid algorithm gods! I know it’s hard as a content creator to get the videos you worked so hard on to get going with the algorithm. So hopefully this comment gets it on its way. I used to leave really short comments just saying “hi” or “<3” but I’ve heard lately that sometimes the algorithm doesn’t count comments like that, and it only counts longer ones. Or the longer ones count more? I’m not sure. Anyway, hopefully that does it. I love your content! <3
Can you tell me about flexion? When I trot in the inside circle, do I have to flex only with the inside reins or with both reins or when I trot straight, do I have to flex on both sides???
@@rajparmar8010 I'm definitely going to make a video about flexion and bending, hopefully soon! When you're on a circle you bend the horse around your inside leg, it's not only with the inside rein but you also need the inside leg and then the outside aids will support. When you're riding straight you just keep the horse straight without flexion or bend. I hope this helped at least a little, I'll try to make that video soon, hopefully it will help to make it even clearer😊
I cantered for the first time last week and it was terrifying 😂 it was very messy, but I stayed on, so now I'm trying to get a better technique for next time
Very usefull video😊 I'm struggling with my position in rising trot with my too short stirrups in my dressage saddle. My teacher asked me to short my stirrups then I would not grip with my knees. I have a question : how weight should i put in my stirrups and how on my saddle during rising trot? Thanks
Thank you😊 Part of your weight should be on your thighs and of course some also on the stirrups. Knees and thighs should be close to the saddle but of course not squeezing. I have many videos about rising trot, check them out if you haven´t already😊
I saw your video about how to rise the trot, another great video😊. I'm gonna try to change my weight. Do i push on my thighs to get out the saddle? And how not to grip with my knees? Big thanks!!!❤
@@nemouzeable Just bring your hips forward, let the motion of the horse to help you and use your glutes and hamstrings to move your hips. It's kind of like a hip thrust movement😊
