Is It Really Your Horse… or Is It You, the Rider?

Over the past 10+ years working with riders and horses, I’ve noticed a consistent pattern. Equestrians will spend thousands of dollars trying to figure out what’s wrong with their horse.

Why isn’t the right lead change as easy as the left?

Why does the saddle always seem to slip to the right side?

Why does every horse I ride feel “stiff” to the same direction?

Time and time again, I see riders pour money into their horse — chiropractic, saddle fitting, bodywork, vet checks — and yet, the problem keeps coming back.

Only recently have more people started to pause and think: “Maybe it’s me.”

Maybe I’m the common denominator.

Maybe the horse is mirroring what’s happening in my body.

I truly believe that 90% of the time, the issue starts with the rider — not the horse!

Your Horse Feels Everything You Feel, as a Rider

If you have back pain, I’d bet my piggy bank your horse already knows it — not because you’ve told them but because you’re moving differently. Your body can’t flow the same way it did when you were pain-free.

Your lumbosacral rhythm — the subtle coordination between your low back and pelvis — changes when you’re sore, tight, or compensating. Your horse instantly feels that difference and adjusts to keep balance underneath you.

The result?

They begin to overcompensate, often developing their own issues, like tightness or pain in the lumbar area just behind the saddle.

Do Yourself and Your Horse a Favour

If you have pain anywhere in your body — back, hips, shoulders or neck — it’s time to look inward. Before you call every equine professional in the book, make sure you’ve taken care of you first.

See an equestrian physiotherapist or another qualified therapeutic practitioner who understands both the demands of riding and the biomechanics of the human body.

When you move better, your horse can move better.

When you’re pain-free and balanced, your horse can finally perform at their best.

You’ll not only feel stronger and more comfortable in the saddle — your horse will thank you!

And as a bonus? You’ll probably save a lot of money in the long run.

Our Takeaway

At B Diamond Physio, we specialize in finding the root cause — not just treating the symptoms. Our unique approach aligns both rider and horse for balanced, pain-free performance.

If you’re ready to improve your riding, reduce pain, and finally get to the bottom of your horse’s recurring issues, book a Rider Physio Evaluation or Ride Right Clinic today.

Balanced Riders. Balanced Horses.