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Correct rider biomechanics requires isometric muscle use and muscle tone. Muscle tone is the resting tension in each muscle and it helps to stabilise the position of bones and joints. In an ideal world each pair of muscles would have equal tone so our bodies, and those of the horses, would be balanced equally and therefore symmetrical. During isometric muscle use, tension is developed within the muscle without the muscle shortening. In other words the muscles do not change length. If we wish to move our limbs we use isotonic muscle contraction meaning the muscle changes its length.
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Whilst one muscle shortens, its opposite muscle lengthens so the limb moves. When one is able to stabilise and influence one's own body we can then work on how to change the horse's. This may sound complicated but with explanations, the use of resistances and other learning approaches it starts to become a conscious and familiar feeling. Furthermore, by the rider's use of correct biomechanics, the horse is encouraged to engage its postural muscles rather than relying solely on it's locomotive ones. This allows the postural ones to carry the horse and the locomotive ones to transport it.
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