No Stirrup November — A bodyworker’s take on the month of November.

It’s that time of year again—No Stirrup November (NSN)—when riders challenge themselves to drop their stirrups, focus on balance, and improve their seats. For many equestrians, this month-long tradition is a way to improve their riding skills and build a more developed position. But as an equine bodywork professional, I’ve seen firsthand that while No Stirrup November can offer great benefits, it can also take a toll on your horse’s body if not approached carefully.

The truth about how bodyworkers feel about NSN.

There’s no denying that dropping the stirrups can be an excellent training tool for riders, and most of us bodyworkers understand why trainers encourage their students to ride sans stirrups. Let’s quickly review why so many equestrians take on the No Stirrup November challenge:

1. Improved Balance and Seat: Riding without stirrups forces the rider to find their center of gravity and develop a deeper, more independent seat. Without the support of stirrups, riders must rely on their core muscles, which helps to strengthen the muscles needed for a stable and balanced position.

2. Enhanced Core Strength: As I mentioned above, without stirrups, riders are required to use their core muscles more effectively to stay centered and balanced in the saddle. This focus on core engagement can translate to better riding posture and improved stability.

3. Increased Awareness: When riding without stirrups, riders often become more aware of their own body position and movement. This heightened body awareness can help identify areas of tension or imbalance that may have gone unnoticed before.

4. Deeper Connection with the Horse: Dropping the stirrups encourages a closer feel between the rider and the horse, promoting better communication and allowing the rider to better follow the horse’s movement.

However, if I’m being completely honest when I’m wearing my professional bodyworker hat, I slightly cringe each time I hear that a client horse is participating in No Stirrup November. My reaction has nothing to do with how skilled I feel their rider is, but simply with the experience of working on hundreds of horses during this grueling yearly ritual. Riding without stirrups can place new and different stresses on your horse’s body, and we need to be aware of how our horse’s are compensating.

Here’s just a few ways No Stirrup November may be affecting your horse’s body without you even knowing it:

1. Increased Pressure on the Back: Without the rider’s weight being distributed evenly through the stirrups, the horse may experience increased direct pressure on their back muscles. This can lead to muscle soreness, especially if the rider is gripping tightly or leaning forward, as many of us do when we ride without stirrups.

2. Compensatory Muscle Tension: When a rider loses balance or struggles without stirrups, they tend to shift their weight unevenly, causing the horse to compensate by tightening certain muscles or altering their natural gait. Over time, this can lead to muscle tension and soft tissue restrictions, particularly in the shoulders, back, and hindquarters.

3. Potential for Unbalanced Movement: If the rider is unsteady, it can disrupt the horse’s natural rhythm and balance. The horse may start to hollow their back or brace against the rider’s movements, leading to tension in the topline and neck, and disengaged abdominal muscles.

4. Soreness & Fatigue: For horses who are not used to carrying a rider without the support of stirrups, the additional strain on their back muscles can lead to fatigue and soreness, especially if the no-stirrups work is intense or prolonged. This can show up as body tension and sensitivity, but horses also demonstrate this in behavioral changes or work ethic changes.

Supporting Your Horse During No Stirrup November.

Given the potential strain on your horse’s back during No Stirrup November, I think it’s imperative as our horse’s care takers to take steps to support their comfort and well-being throughout the month. Here are some strategies to help:

Adjust the Workload

It’s important to be mindful of your horse’s workload during No Stirrup November. Instead of going stirrup-free for the entire ride every day, consider alternating your sessions. For example:

• Warm-Up with Stirrups: Start your session with stirrups to warm up both you and your horse. This helps reduce immediate strain on the back muscles.

• Short, Focused Sessions: Drop the stirrups for shorter, focused segments of your ride, such as five to ten minutes at a time. Gradually increase the duration as your balance improves.

• Incorporate Groundwork: Balance your riding sessions with groundwork, such as long lining or ground poles. This gives your horse a break from carrying the extra weight while still keeping them engaged and fit. Check out Ground Pole Workouts as a fantastic program to incorporate during NSN to keep abdominal and topline muscles engaged.

Monitor for Signs of Soreness

Pay close attention to your horse’s behavior and body language throughout the month. Signs that your horse may be experiencing discomfort include:

• Sensitivity or Flinching When Grooming: If your horse flinches when you run your hands along their back or shoulders, it could indicate soreness.

• Different attitude towards being tacked up or being mounted: Your horse may begin to walk away from the mounting block or do something as subtle as change their breathing pattern when the tack goes on. Pay close attention to any changes in behavior, it could indicate that NSN is taking its toll.

• Reluctance to Move Forward: Your horse may show reluctance to trot or canter, or seem unwilling to move freely.

• Changes in Gait: Stiffness, shortened strides, or a hollowed back can all be signs of discomfort related to increased back pressure.

Relieve Your Horse’s Tension.

Massage therapy can be an incredibly effective way to alleviate the muscle tension and soreness that can develop during No Stirrup November. Using techniques from Equine Bodywork Online, you can help release tight muscles, improve circulation, and promote relaxation in your horse’s back and shoulders. Here are a few ways massaging your horse can support them through NSN:

Relieves Muscle Tension and Soreness

Promotes Relaxation & Comfort

Improves Range of Motion

Supports Faster Recovery

Prevents Compensatory Muscle Issues

Enhances Your Connection with Your Horse

Support Your Horse with Equine Bodywork Online.

No Stirrup November can be a rewarding experience for both you and your horse, but it’s essential to take steps to keep your horse comfortable and healthy throughout the month. By incorporating massage techniques from Equine Bodywork Online, you can help alleviate soreness, prevent compensatory issues, and ensure that your horse stays happy and pain-free. Our Hands On videos and Audio Guides make it easy to learn effective massage routines, taking the guess work out of bodywork.

Take your partnership to the next level and show your horse the care they deserve during No Stirrup November. Check out our Equine Bodywork Online Back Pain Series today and support your horse’s journey to better comfort, health, and performance!