Sitemaps

What are the best ways to develope a better seat2007-11-24 21:21:12

Ok I have had this problem for a while now. I can post to the trot and sit the trot no problem but when it comes time to lope I don't seem to hold my seat as well. I'm not falling off of it or anything but it feels like I'm coming up out of the saddle a bit.when I watch other people it looks so smooth.! I do ride bareback at the walk.Thanks for any suggestions.

Answers:

Balance is the answer, whether you are sitting the walk, trot or lope. You could probably go online and look up "the balanced ride" and locate diagrams of what is known as a balanced seat. One easy way to acquire the seat (how I taught little ones) is to stand up in the stirrups, [you should have enough room between your saddle and you to place four fingers as a measure, as a rule, this helps you know how to adjust your stirrups] STRAIGHT up, toes down...yes, that's what I said, toes down...this is just to help you find your position, not to ride. Now, sit straight down on your saddle, you should be resting not on your buttocks nor your whats'is, but right on your pelvic bone...sound ouchy? Can be for beginners until they get the hang of it...remember, you are just acquiring your seat, so just do it. Once you are sitting straight down, back straight, head forward, looking between your horse's ears, all as natural and relaxed as if you were sitting on a straight backed chair...no, I didn't say slumped, I said relaxed. Now, drop your heels and your toes will either come up above your heels or level with your heels, either is acceptable. Now, you are sitting balanced, so if your horse suddenly goes from side to side or lurches forwards or runs backwards unexpectedly, you should physically be prepared to still be sitting in the middle of your saddle. Keep this seat always, think deep, sit deep. Now, when you walk, keep this all in mind, also at a trot and at a lope...WHEN, NOT IF, you find yourself losing this balance, stop your horse, go through the whole process from the beginning and start all over again...you will soon find it is more natural and easier to sit and ride this way than how you have been riding...you will also find that you will be sitting no differently at a walk, trot or lope...and yes, it helps to keep your hands down where they belong...also, you can and should use this seat when using one or both hands on the reins...if you are riding balanced, it won't matter. I would love to have you try this yourself, then come back with some follow up questions, you WILL have some. I am assuming that if you post the trot, you are riding at least some English, you can use the same method with English other than if you are riding forward seat (Hunt) you will be leaning somewhat forward [ever so slightly] from your waist as you are riding. I see no other reason to be posting a trot...if you are riding at an extended trot, you can just place more body weight [evenly] in your stirrups and continue to sit the saddle, not post...although, this is a personal preference. If you are able to post a trot, but not ride your lope, are you being aware of which lead you are in? You should be posting down on the fence side front leg when you post, and if you are at a lope, you should make sure that you are traveling in correct lead. If you don't understand what I am talking about, ask some follow up questions and we will all help you. If you are attempting to sit a lope on a horse that is in the incorrect lead, it will be hard to do, it will naturally cause you to lose your seat...I do hope this information helps you, Good luck, Bobbi

---

Just practice as much as you can, if you aren't already in lessons, find a good instructor to help you. Also practice doing a lot of 2 point to build up some leg muscle and to help you balance. Since you are coming out of the saddle it sounds like you need to sink more weight into your heels (two point will help this).