RIDING &
OUR POSITION
I do consider good
posture the most important think a rider must seek, I also know that all
people can influence a horse through their pelvis but I also know we are all
built differently. There is height, size, weight and gender, for
instance a female pelvis is wider than a 
Good saddles will allow us to
influence the horse correctly. We must not ask more of the horse than we ask
of our selves. For instance we cannot ask a horse to be flexible in its
movement whilst we sit stiff in the saddle. Knowing all this makes for a
good position, which allows us to hold dialogue with the horse through our
body. A rider who seems to become one with the horse is a person who talks
to and listens to the horse constantly.
I have seen good riders in many
disciplines and the principals always remain the same.
Why do we
always strive for a better seat?
Out of all the things discussed on horsemanship the only real thing that has
dominated arguments is position. The thinking is that when you see a group
of great riders together why does one ride better than the others? I will
leave this question hanging because the one thing they all have and I know
still seek is a good position. The trouble is how many people can look
inside themselves and truly analyze what their body is doing. Do we fall
into a trap of believing our body is doing exactly what is expected from
teachings and understandings we have, can it be possible to convince
ourselves that we are riding as others expect of us. How is it possible that
some people explain in depth the position of the rider claiming it from
their observations but do not carry out what they preach?
As an
instructor and demonstrator of horsemanship I have to ride well. How do I
know if I do? Firstly people who I hold in esteem as great horsemen tell me.
Secondly I respect the judgment of horses by paying me the compliment of
listening to my aids, performing the tasks asked of them well and with
interest. Thirdly a constant assessment of myself whilst riding. Fourthly
reading and observing people I hold in respect as horsemen. I make mistakes;
this shows a lacking on my part. They have become less as my understanding
improves. Misunderstandings will always occur, but without this chance to
analyze and correct these errors my riding will not improve further,
therefore I regard these errors as an opportunity to learn more.
