Today’s Tip: “The Rider’s Position”
Horseback riding takes some muscle as well as brain power.
You don’t have to be Arnold Schwarzenegger nor do you need
to be a brain surgeon, but you do need to be ready to break
a sweat and think about what you need to do.
One of the first things a new rider will learn is the
basic rider’s position.
In the English saddle, the rider sits with her ear,
shoulder, hip and heel in a vertical line so that her
shoulders are over her hips and her lower leg comes under her.
Her heel is down, but not forced so that the leg juts forward.
Her back is straight and by lifting from the
sternum her shoulders go back.
Her elbows are bent and at her side and upper
arm against her rib cage.
The hands are low, near the horse’s wither to create a straight
line through the reins to the horse’s mouth. Hands are closed
in a fist around the reins, and the thumbs are turned upward.
To get an idea of the basic position before you get on a horse,
stand in modified horse stance while you are on the ground.
Spread your feet apart until they are about as wide across
as your shoulders (or slightly wider).
Bend your knees and lower your hips downward. Keep your back
straight and your shoulders over your hips.
Look down and take note of how your feet are under your hips.
When you are in the saddle, this is close
to the position you’ll take.
In fact, when you are in the saddle, if you imagine a
giant’s hand plucking you up out of the saddle by your
shoulders and putting you on the ground, would you be
able to hold the position or would your feet be too
far in front of you?
Trying to maintain it while steering or trotting your
horse will be a challenge in the beginning, and you’ll
need to mentally remind yourself to correct your position.
For more on the rider’s position, refer to the detail
found in our popular book:
“Horseback Riding: The Complete Beginner’s Guide”
Get Your Copy of the Horseback Riding Book
That’s today’s tip…. stay safe around your horses!
Charlie
