How To Perform Forward & Backward Figure Skating Rocking Horse

The rocking horse is a great way to begin to introduce forward and backward skating movements. It is a good transition move to introduce turns in skating and help the skater feel how the change in your weight can propel you forwards or backwards with your skating.

How to Perform a Rocking Horse:
1. Start with heels together. Core is Strong. Arms are out. Knees and Ankles are bent.
2. Begin to straighten your knees and ankles while feeling the forward momentum of your blades push you foward
3. Use the momentum to bring your toes together (your knees should be straight at this point).
4. Keep your toes together- arms up and core strong- rebend your knees and ankles.
5. Continue to use your bend and utilize the backward momentum to bring your heels together (begin to straighten your knees and ankles).
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You should be able to utilize your knee and ankle bend (which changes the pressure that you are performing in your blades) to bring your momentum forward and backward. Keeping good posture and eyes ahead will also help you perform this exercise. Ideally, try to do 10 full rocking horses (forward and back) to get the feeling of the change in pressure in your blade.