February 2004

Picture-Perfect Posture

We don’t always envision ourselves the same way that our horses feel us to be sitting.

Although her shoulders are rounded, this event rider’s ear, shoulder, hip and heel are nearly in a straight line and her horse is relaxed and steady in his connection.

The most important aid you need in your riding isn’t legs or hands. It’s a steady, consistent position in the saddle that doesn’t disrupt the horse’s balance and doesn’t distract from any other way you are trying to communicate.

If you bounce in the saddle, your legs and hands constantly flail at the horse’s sides and mouth, and therefore he can’t distinguish between accidental kicks and pulls and the signals you intend.

In considering the three elements of position—legs, posture and hands—a steady seat is the hardest to maintain. It’s easy to tell when your legs and hands aren’t getting the job done, although you may not be able to figure…