BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Horses Riding Strategies

We've just begun a series on the site about riding strategies. The first topic we're exploring is finding good seat and position while you're in the saddle.

I know for myself keeping good balance, communicating with my horse, and keeping my body position in check was one of the hardest things I ever had to learn(and am STILL working on)!

Sometimes I think we put way too much focus on simply the horse and end up leaving ourselves out of the equation, and in turn we end up having our own 'vices' in saddle.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Any tips or suggestions you have that work for you in this area?

Hi... I showed on the Quarter Horse circuit for several years, but that was back in the 70's, then you needed to have a straight back, heels down, toes pointed straight and a bit forward with pressure on the stirrup. When you first start sitting a saddle this way there's alot of pain in the knees. Now I just do trail riding and find I still sit the saddle that way but as long as your not in the show ring do whats the most comfortable for you, while still in control of your horse