Eckart Meyners is a Professor of Sports Physiology and Body Movement at the University in Luneburg in Germany. Over the past 25+ years, he has researched how people learn movement in riding and has worked with the German National Federation to develop curricula for professional and amateur riders, trainers, instructors, and judges. He is known throughout Germany as an expert in the area of how to teach movement in riding, as well as other sports.
Eckart Meyners' Mission
To improve Balance in Motion.
To educate the rider about the components of a good seat, as well as the challenges riders face in developing and maintaining that seat.
To discuss and show the importance of balance in the rider's body and mind as it influences the ridden dialogue with the horse.
To help instructors and riders use and understand more effective methods of riding instruction.
The Rider's Body
Riding is about the rider coming into harmony with the horse so that he/she may effectively communicate with the horse. It is not a mechanical process, but a union of two moving bodies so the horse is guided by the active and intuitive body language of the rider.
Eckart Meyners' Philosophy
Each rider is a unique human being in body, mind, and personality. History, culture and life circumstances increase the imbalances in our physical bodies and disrupt the balance between mind and body. Most riders believe in the importance of having a "correct seat", but have a hard time defining what that means. Too often the "correct seat" is defined by specific forms. Riding instructors often then assume that their job is to mold riders to fit those forms. In reality, a "correct seat" is unique to each individual, taking into consideration the variations of each person's body. Riders and instructors must seek to uncover muscular imbalances that impede harmony between horse and rider.
Then a combination of playful experimentation and specific exercises can be used to re-gain balance and improve coordination. The goals of the exercises are balanced muscles, not simply stronger muscles. The exercises are never forced, but rather achieve balance though a complete cycle of relaxing, stretching and strengthening. Also, key to Mr. Meyners' work, is an understanding of the role that the human brain plays in telling the muscles what to do. Therefore, instructors must have a basic knowledge of how to work with the rider's brain to achieve the maximum effect.
