When it comes to riding, the word “feel” is often used to describe the elusive connection between horse and rider. But what does it really mean, and how can you develop it? At the heart of feel lies proprioception—a powerful sense that allows you to understand your body’s position, movement, and tension in space. For riders, proprioception is the foundation of balance, harmony, and effective communication with your horse.

What is Proprioception?

Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense where it is in space and how it’s moving. It’s what allows you to know the position of your limbs without looking at them, adjust your posture instinctively, and move with precision. Think of it as your body’s internal feedback system, constantly providing information about tension, effort, and alignment.

For riders, proprioception is essential because it helps you maintain an independent seat, refine your aids, and move in harmony with your horse. It’s not about effort—it’s about awareness. Proprioception tells you how much tension or effort you’re using and helps you release unnecessary strain, so you can move with efficiency and ease. This is what allows you to ride with balance and fluidity, creating a seamless connection with your horse.

Why Riders Need Proprioception Training

Riding is a dynamic activity that requires constant adjustments. Your horse is always moving beneath you, and your ability to respond to those movements depends on how well you can sense your own body. with precision and ease. Proprioception allows you to feel subtle shifts in your horse’s movement, adjust your position in real time, and communicate more clearly through your aids. Without it, riding can feel disconnected, and you may struggle to achieve the balance and harmony that great equitation requires.

How We Train Proprioception in Independent Seat Classes

In my Independent Seat classes, proprioception training is a key focus. We use specific techniques to stimulate the sensory receptors in your skin, joints, and muscles, helping you develop a deeper awareness of your body and its movement.

Here are some of the methods we use:

• Tapping, Shaking, and Shearing the Skin:
  These techniques are simple yet incredibly effective. By tapping or shaking specific areas of the body, we activate the sensory receptors in the skin and muscles, bringing awareness to those areas. For example, tapping along your thighs or shaking out your arms can help you feel more connected to your body, making it easier to engage and adjust while riding.
• Embodied Anatomical Awareness:
  Understanding how your body works on a deeper level is transformative for riders. In these classes, we explore the functional anatomy of the rider, focusing on how different muscles and joints contribute to movement in the saddle. By visualizing and embodying these inner mechanics, you can refine your proprioceptive sense and move with greater intention and ease.
• Functional Movement Exercises:
  We incorporate exercises that mimic the movements you use in the saddle, such as pelvic tilts, balance drills, and core stabilization work. These exercises not only improve your strength and coordination but also train your body to respond instinctively to the saddle’s demands. These exercises help you build a more intuitive connection to your body, so you can move with precision and fluidity.
• The Results: Deeper Feel and Better Equitation

When you train your proprioceptive sense, the results are undeniable. You’ll find yourself more attuned to both your own body and your horse’s movements. This heightened awareness allows you to make subtle adjustments that improve your balance, refine your aids, and create a more harmonious partnership with your horse.

Proprioception also helps you identify and release unnecessary tension, making your movements more efficient and your posture more aligned. The result? A lighter, more independent seat and a deeper connection with your horse.

And here’s the truth: if you can’t sense it, you can’t change it. Proprioception training gives you the tools to notice what’s happening in your body and make the adjustments needed to ride with balance, ease, and confidence.

How Do You Train Your Proprioception?

Proprioception training doesn’t require fancy equipment or hours of practice. Simple techniques like tapping, shaking, and embodied movement can make a huge difference in how you feel and move—both in and out of the saddle.

So, how do you train your proprioceptive sense? Have you noticed a difference in your riding when you focus on body awareness and feel? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s start a conversation about how we can all deepen our connection to our bodies and our horses.