Not only do we throw our own balance off when our heads don't balance on our spines, but we also place extra weight on the forehand of horses, when our ears are ahead of our shoulders. Horses in their largess, attempt to carry us any way they can and this forward cant of the head usually results in a rapid, scooting tempo that leaves the hindquarters out behind and the back tight.

In jumping, it is essential to look to the next jump while in the air and as you land to facilitate getting to the next jump. The horse feels this visual change and will go there. Look up, look out, don't tip your head down - otherwise you're only expressing your desire to go to the ground....!

Nerve endings called proprioceptors surround all your joints. These nerve endings develop greater sensitivity through use and become the essential element behind more sophisticated balance. Proprioceptors help horses and humans learn to return to the center of balance when the center of gravity has been disrupted. There are more proprioceptors around your sacroiliac joint (where the pelvis attaches to the base of the spine) and in your jaw joints next to the ears. These two placements determine balance in humans - hips truly under ears create straightness through the center of gravity and enable our horses to carry us a whole lot easier.
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