To have the competitive edge in any discipline it is important that your horse tracks in a straight line. Straightness if the foundation of balance. If your horse is over bent or tracking sideways, you have lost your foundation of balance. Executing any movement be it a half pass in dressage or jumping over a fence is best when your horse is straight.

How are you influencing your horse's ability to move straight? Is your body straight and in total alignment? Take a moment and look at your body in a full length mirror. Look at your shoulders - are they even on both sides? Find your hip bones - are they even? Look at your knees - do they line up? If your body is out of alignment and not symmetrical, then you are influencing the way your horse moves.

In dressage, the use of your seat bones is paramount. If these seat bones are uneven, and your body is crooked - your horse has very little chance of being straight himself. Imagine someone sitting on your shoulders perfectly square - imagine how this would feel.  Now imagine someone sitting on your shoulders leaning to one side - try and walk in a straight line....

Chiropractic, yoga and Pilates - these will improve your frame and give you the edge you are looking for. Your horse will thank you as well.