Learning the proper horse riding stance

DanBor · Post by **DanBor** » Feb 23, 2006 03:33

I totaly agree with you Maxattack. I didn't want to sound like a wimp or something. I just can't go beyond certain point, where I feel other muscles holding me back, for example just above knee. Lately I feel pain in that area and this actually holding me back in the horse stance, I feel if I push it too hard I could get injured. I 've introduced some exercises for muscles that stabilizes knees, like:step-ups, squats (bulgarian split squats). So I hope this helps. And I will continue with front stance also, I feel it could help will strenght.
But despite this difficulties horse stance is remarkable exercise, I feel strong and flexible, and I stretch only once or twice a week (relaxed).

I've read about stances in the link you've posted and I couldn't agree more: "Stance practice is not limited to training for the beginning student; it is a life-long pracice."

maxattack · Post by **maxattack** » Feb 23, 2006 13:07

yes it is a life long practice, and one that for the most part is neglected. There is an old kung fu saying it goes something like "ones Kung Fu is only as good as ones stances" the wording may be abit different, but that the sum of it.

For you knees try leg extensions, just remember to NOT lock out your knee when doing them. You can also try using a light weight and holding extended for 15 sec (again extended but not locked out). Always do one leg at a time.

DanBor · Post by **DanBor** » Feb 24, 2006 03:32

Thanks for the tip.

Moe · Post by **Moe** » Feb 24, 2006 06:44

Ha! managed to add 15 mintues to my time at the horse stance, looking away from the clock and doing some breathing helps, you really make progress when you start feeling the pain and block it away or presist to continue.

CrazyBoy · Post by **CrazyBoy** » Feb 25, 2006 07:12

Is it wrong to perform the horse stance while hearing music? It relaxes me. How do you guys do it? In what atmosphere? Silence or no silence?

Moe · Post by **Moe** » Feb 25, 2006 07:32

Crazyboy I watch TV while I'm in the stance and it sometimes distracts you from the pain but after a while it gets just annoying so I guess you could do both with silence or with music but when in silence you gotta do like what maxattack says concentrate on breathing!

CrazyBoy · Post by **CrazyBoy** » Feb 25, 2006 12:40

Thanks alot Moe! Just wanted to know how you guys do it. Next time I shall perform the horse stance, I shall try doing it without any distractions of any kind. Thanks again.

DanBor · Post by **DanBor** » Feb 25, 2006 13:40

I also find watching TV annoying, the best thing is silence. Or sometimes power music like Pantera or Rammstein.

CrazyBoy · Post by **CrazyBoy** » Feb 25, 2006 16:34

Wow DanBor! Rammstein? I love house music: I guess you all have heard of Darude. feel the beat! guys

DanBor · Post by **DanBor** » Feb 26, 2006 13:54

[quote="CrazyBoy"]Wow DanBor! Rammstein? I love house music: I guess you all have heard of Darude. feel the beat! guys[/qu

I enjoy in good beats too, its just I grew up with heavy music. When I'm having demanding training, it always helps to listen that kind of music. And also if I have sparring with people I don't know (who are coming from other disciplines) music can be very helpful.

CrazyBoy · Post by **CrazyBoy** » Feb 26, 2006 14:20

You got that right DanBor! We started to train while listening to music. It's very relaxing and very fun. I remember sparring while listening to Survivor- Eye of a tiger. Cool track!

backinjured · Post by **backinjured** » Feb 26, 2006 19:27

I also practice Horse Stance with music though I keep Eye of Tiger for Weight lifting. Since Horse Stance is more of a chinese stance, I put some chinese-like music.
I also do it in front of a mirror to make sure I'm not raising up.

When do you train in Horse Stance, everyday? And how many times? In one book I read they say practice it ten times everyday.

CrazyBoy · Post by **CrazyBoy** » Feb 27, 2006 03:15

I perform the horse-stance almost daily, except when my legs are sore due to hindu squats. 10 times a day? If you do not practice anything else, I think it can be done 10 times per day.

DanBor · Post by **DanBor** » Feb 27, 2006 04:59

I practice horse stace 3 times per week, I think daily is too much because it is strenght exercise. 10 times a day- I find it hard to believe.

CrazyBoy · Post by **CrazyBoy** » Feb 27, 2006 05:18

I guess that this could only be achieved in time. Only after you've gained some strength and learned to properly control your breathing. Of course, you can perform the horse stance 10 times a day. If you can only stay let's say 2-3 minutes, yeah then it's possible. But if you stay 10-20 or more minutes? Can you do it 10 times a day?