The Rider's Fitness Guide to a Better Seat
Chapter One
Components of
a Good Seat
The seat is the rider's primary and most important point of influence
with the horse. The rider's weight in the seat and the pressure
of his legs on the horse are considered the initial driving aids
to determine the forward movement of the horse. The horse will
immediately feel any movements initiated from the hips and/or
legs. The arms and hands governing the reins are considered secondary
aids, assisting in the regulation of movement and stabilizing
the gait and the direction of the horse. When you are comfortable
with your seat and legs, then you can relax your upper body. This
posture allows you to be steadier with your hands and have a good
contact with the horse's mouth via the bit.
Developing a Good Seat
For a comfortable seat, the rider should sit with his back straight,
centered and balanced in the seat, and only supported by the stirrups.
The rider should allow his legs and arms to work independently
from his torso.
The seat is the first area to develop if you want to ... read full excerpt from The Rider's Fitness Guide to a Better Seat ebook
