Riding horses and skis are very similar activities, balance in motion – and both often done with significant speed, especially if you have some serious experience.  However, I’ve tried to get friends who do well with one to translate to the other.  Despite coaching, often they don’t think it’s an easy transition.

Coloradoan Julie Goodnight who inspires many of my teaching techniques does both – and rides a variety of disciplines.  Here are some tips from me, a skier for 25 years and a rider for almost 50....

1. Be aware of everything going on around you.  Whether it’s inexperienced skiers or riders coming up behind or beside you, you want to be aware and prepared to take defensive action at any time.
2. Use the terrain to your advantage.  Never go faster than a walk downhill on a horse until you’re a very advanced rider.  Turn uphill if you’re going too fast on skis and let gravity stop or slow you.
3. Sink to stop.  Sinking your weight into your seat slows both horses and skis.
4. Control the speed.  If you’re going too fast on skis or horses, stop, get your position together and regain control.
5. Balance your weight.  Riding, you keep your weight balanced over your horse’s center.  Skiing, you keep you weight balanced over your skis.
6. Flex your legs.  Legs are never straight.  Bend your knees.  Shins forward against the front of the ski boots.  When you’re riding, ankles are flexed so your heel is below your stirrup.
7. Straight back. Shoulders curled forward or chin dropped throws your weight forward and screws up your balance.
8. Faster horse or skier should be in the front.  Overtaking another skier or rider from the rear is dangerous.
9. Leave space between the skier or rider in front or beside you.  At least 15 feet is a good safe distance for both.  
10. Stay relaxed and flexible.  Your core is working constantly whether riding or skiing.  Remember to breathe.  Sing if you’re nervous – it forces you to breathe!