Considerations & Use of the THIGH HOLD

One common “hold” seen in adaptive/therapeutic riding lessons is the “THIGH HOLD”. This hold may also be seen in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy incorporating equines (sometimes called hippotherapy). Reminder: Adaptive/therapeutic riding is NOT therapy!

A thigh hold is where the sidewalkers grasp the front of the saddle or pad set with their hand and securely place their forearm across the rider’s thigh. (see first image)

A thigh hold can be used help stabilize and offer security and support to students during the halt, walk, trot, and emergencies. However, this hold can be overused and/or used without much thought to the “why” it is used with that specific student because. The hold “looks” safe and like we are protecting the student so it’s often a default hold without much thought.

When the thigh hold is utilized the instructor should consider the following:

1. TWO SIDEWALKERS: A thigh hold should be provided by two sidewalkers- one on each side (bilateral). If a thigh hold is only done on one side of the rider (unilateral) it is likely to cause them to become off balance and also unevenly impacts the horse.
2. CREATE SYMMETRY: The instructor should help the sidewalkers place their holds in a way that are as even as possible on both sides of the rider to create as much symmetry as possible. TIP: give the volunteers something to align their hands and forearms with to create even holds. Ex: a certain seam on the riders thigh, a distinct mark on the knee roll or front jockey or skirt.
3. THOUGHTFUL USE: instructors should carefully consider “why” they are using a thigh hold on a specific rider. Using this hold because it’s “what we do for all riders” does not take into consideration the individual needs and abilities of the student. Overuse or inappropriate use of the hold can lead to lack of rider progression and a delay in their developing their own sense of balance and body awareness on the horse.
4. IMPACT on HORSE: Care should be taken by the sidewalkers to not negativity impact the horse by pulling back or down on the saddle during the hold which adds stress and weight that the horse has to carry. The pressure may also unintentionally prompt horse to drift, slow down, etc.
5. ON/OFF AS NEEDED: a thigh hold can be dynamic during a lesson and come on and off as needed. Just because a rider may start with a thigh hold as they get their bearings or need one for a sitting jog, does not mean the thigh hold should be placed on the rider during entire class.
6. PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY DEMANDING: this hold can be very physically demanding on volunteers so instructors should check in with them regularly to assess comfort and also prompt them to switch sides throughout lesson (use safe procedure). This hold can also be mentally demanding as sidewalkers should stay aware of what forces their body is applying on the rider and horse at all time.
7. PROMOTE PROGRESSION: consistently work towards a less involved hold or no hold as suitable to the student. A thigh hold can be wonderful support in certain scenarios but can sometimes delay or even work against a student building their own sense of balance and awareness if overused and/or inappropriately used.
8. HELPING or HINDERING SKILL: be aware of what you are asking your student to do while a thigh hold is being applied. A thigh hold may hinder or almost make it impossible for a student to attempt some skills such as 2-point, posting, etc.
9. HEIGHT OF HORSE AND SIDEWALKERS: if a student will need a thigh hold for a portion or majority of the lesson, matching the height of the volunteers to the horse (can they sustain a comfortable hold) and the volunteers to each other (create symmetrical holds) should be carefully considered and monitored.

What other things do you consider as an instructor when using a thigh hold? Leave a comment!

Want to learn more about topics mentioned in this post? Check out the Intuitive Instructor Content below:

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