The phrase “tighten your core” is one of the most overused and misunderstood cues in equestrian sport. What does it even mean? Are you supposed to suck in? Hold your breath? Clench your butt? Spend hours obsessing over “activating your TA”? If this cue leaves you feeling confused—or leaves you stiff, braced, and unable to flow with your horse—you’re not alone. Your core isn’t the main character in every riding issue. Yes, it’s important, but riding is so much more about dynamic stability than br