Sit Centered and Balanced for Effective Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is all about balance and stayingyou ride with an arched, tense back, the top of your
centered. You always want to keep your horse inpelvis tips forward, and the water spills out the front of
good balance for his stage of training no matter whatthe bucket. In this closed or tipped pelvis position, your
your discipline.seat bones are actually aimed toward the back of the
It doesn't matter whether you’re a dressage rider,horse.
a western pleasure rider, a trail rider, or an event rider.If you ride with a rounded lower back, the top of your
Correct balance is essential to effective riding becausepelvis tips back and the water spills out the back of
the center of your balance directly affects yourthe bucket. In this position, your seat bones are aimed
horse’s balance.forward and down, and can sometimes drive the
Your goal should be to have an independent seat sohorse’s balance and back downward.
you can effectively influence your horse as positivelyWhen your pelvis is in a neutral position, you can keep
and as harmoniously as possible.all the water in the bucket. When your pelvis is neutral,
In order to have this independent seat, you need to sityour seat bones point straight down toward the
in the saddle properly. By that I mean that the both theground.
placement and the position of your pelvis must beIn this neutral position, your body is balanced over your
correct. This position will, in large part, determine yourhorse’s center of gravity.
level of success.When you’re in balance with your horse, all things
So in your quest for good balance, here's a greatare possible. So, help your horse find his balance by
image to help you keep your pelvis in the desiredriding with your pelvis in a neutral position so you can
"neutral" position.keep all the water in the bucket!
Imagine your pelvis is a big bucket filled with water. If