18/06/2026
As equestrians, our hip flexors play a hugely important role in the saddle. They help control hip flexion and extension when we do things like rising trot or jump.
But also when our hip is more fixed for things like sitting trot or canter, psoas plays a major role in controlling the forward and backward movement of our lumbar spine and pelvis. If we are weak here we tend to collapse forward, especially during transitions.
Improving psoas control and endurance by eccentric training (resistance training into a lengthened position) improves the control and precision of our seat aids, achieving an independent seat and allowing our leg and rein aids to be more controlled and precise.
For me, the most effective way to improve psoas strength and control is against the resistance of the bungi. This is one of the main reasons I developed the Activate Your Seat programme.
Against the resistance of the bungi, we can really target psoas consistently through range building strength and control into a lengthened position. I find this a far more effective way of building strength and length in the hip flexors than traditional stretching or seated leg lifts. These are my foundation strengthening exercises in the Activate Your Seat level 1 programme.
How do you train your hip flexors?
💙 Breathe better, move better, ride better
Maeve
