Ep. 14: Stop Trying to Fix Every “Imbalance”

Asymmetry is one of the biggest things riders obsess over. Leg length, crookedness, hip rotation, handedness, “my pelvis is twisted,” “one stirrup always feels longer,” all of it. The question is… when does it actually matter?

In this episode, I dig into what asymmetry really means for riders, when we care about it, and when it’s completely normal. I talk through why most athletes (in almost every other sport) function perfectly well with natural sidedness, why some asymmetries are literally performance advantages, and why equestrians are a special case because our bodies don’t operate alone — they influence the horse underneath us.

I break down:

• Why asymmetry in most sports is normal and often helpful

• Why equestrians sometimes need to treat asymmetry differently

• The problem with chasing endless “corrective” exercises

• Why leg length measurements are often inaccurate

• How a well-rounded, consistent strength program solves most asymmetries

• When unilateral work makes sense and when it doesn’t

• Why you shouldn’t automatically add more reps to your weaker side

• The difference between an adaptation and an actual problem

• Why most riders are trying to fix the top of the pyramid without building the foundation

I also explain how I build programs for riders: starting with human needs, then layering in discipline demands, then addressing individual asymmetries only after the base is covered. Most riders don’t need dozens of corrective drills. They need consistent, well-structured strength training that gets them close to failure, covers all major muscle groups, and includes enough unilateral work to balance things out over time.

If you’ve been told you’re “crooked,” “uneven,” or “twisted,” this episode will help you understand what matters, what doesn’t, and how to actually train in a way that supports your riding.

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Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education.