Horse riding and Dancing!

Hey Everyone!

Just a topic that I thought would be an interesting one - would love to hear everyones opinions!
Marysia Kelly asked a question about horse ridding and dancing, she heard that they don't mix together. I Am really curious about this too, I have been told many times this same thing as I did Ballet for 8 years and my instructor told me that I was too much in 'dance mode' when ridding and that it made it harder for my body to adjust, My feet would stick out instead of pointing straight ahead and other things like that. I was always being told the opposite things for each 'sport'. I eventually had to quit cause I was too busy with my horses, but I am still really curious to find out what other people think? Has anyone else ever been told that?

Thanks heaps!
Kadi

Just out of interest my daughter had a dancing audition the day after she had been riding and did really badly which is very unusual for her, I must google this to see if I can get information.

That is very interesting indeed! Please share what you find out!

Have been doing a little bit of research on google, Not too much info on there but just about everything said that the activity/sport that you have done for the longest is the one that 'works' its way into everything else you do ( if that makes sense!). So if you have been dancing for longer than horse ridding, naturally your hips and feet will turn out while in the saddle. It also depends on what kind of dance you do too I think.
Will keep my ears and eyes out for anymore Info I come across, If I get time I might ask a few ridding instructors when I next see them ( I only go to Carlos Tabernaberri so don't generally see one) and ask their opinions. Will keep you posted!

Ohhhh...I like what I've seen of Carlos Tabernaberri!!! I know of a few people who are fond of him

I suppose something like ballet or highland dancing, where your toes are pointed out to the sides at times would/could transfer to when you're in the saddle. There are a few well-known "natural" riding instructors here in North America who say that it's okay to have your toes out to the sides when you ride. I suppose it depends on the discipline and what is accepted and what's not.

Yeah! I Love Carlos' work, Its the most gentle and effective horsemanship I have ever followed! He is also extreamly lovely to work with too!

Yep, the info that I found was mostly on Ballet so I wonder what other types like hip-hop would be like along with riding?

I Agree! I have been to a heap of different people in the past and I was always told to keep my feet forward and all that blah blah blah, thats was for showing, and its was the same at pony club.
Then I finally met Carlos ( someone who I could actually be myself around horses with) and he told me just to relax and let your legs hang naturally, not out so your heels are digging in or straight ahead, but just relaxed! And I spose it was more natural for me to do that, and I may not be accepted as a good rider by show people or whatever, but then again I'm not allowed to show my horses bitless in Australia anyway, so my showing days are over.

another thing that I just thought of too, is your body type. Cause if you have a natural dancing position, that would probably be your easiest sport. Not sure but it was just a thought!