Shoulders Back
The Shoulders Back is an elastic and Velcro strap/vest system to help improve posture. Two straps cross the back and go over the shoulders while another strap fastens mid-chest. It's comfortable to wear (we wore it over a polo shirt, in warm and cool weather, and occasionally under a jacket) and is easy to attach. You can put it on and pretty well forget about it, wearing it all day if you wish.
We found the device did help get the rider's shoulders into better alignment while wearing it and that, correspondingly, we could feel better movement in the horse. One jumper rider said it helped her keep from ducking down so much just in front of a fence. However, when it was removed, the riders generally slumped again, whether they'd worn it for a short while or for several hours, both on and off the horse.
Shoulders Back is made by EquiFit. It comes in black or white, in three sizes: small (i.e. for children), chest measurement 16 to 22"; medium (for adolescents and adults), chest measurement up to 38"; and large (adults), chest measurement over 38". It costs $49.94, www.shouldersback.net, 800-225-2610, ext. 128.
Bottom Line
We find some value in both these products, not so much in how they improve position but in how they can educate and motivate the rider about the importance of a quiet seat and good posture. We feel they provide some improvement in "muscle memory."
These products are not, however, an immediate answer to every position problem. One test rider, an experienced dressage rider but with a life-long tendency to slump, used them for two weeks and attended a dressage show where there was no change in comments and scores from previous shows. Other riders who used them longer found benefit in returning to them for a "refresher."
Shoulders Back affects only the shoulder area, while Unisit is more comprehensive in addressing the rider's midsection and legs. If you're going to try them, don't expect a quick fix any more than you would with riding lessons. Wearing them just once or twice won't do the job. Listen to both your own body and your horse's body. Note how any change in your position allows the horse to hear your aids with more precision.
Position products also won't do any good if a rider has a tendency to look down, or is overweight, or has weak stomach and back muscles, or lacks muscle tone overall. These areas need to be addressed separately and not just while riding (that means diet and exercise!). There's still no substitute for hours spent riding on the longe line with a good instructor.
We would also like to underscore all the safety cautions that accompany the Unisit. This is not a product to be used casually but under carefully controlled circumstances and proper supervision.
Editor's Note: We remain firm on our stand that riding should be free of gadgets, gizmos and crutches. However, our mission is to use the products that are available on today's market and report to you how we believe they fit into daily riding and training.
