Sitting correctly in the saddle requires an aligned, balanced posture that lets you absorb the horse's movement without tension.
Key Posture and Alignment
• The Vertical Line: Imagine an imaginary line running straight down from your ear, through your shoulder, hip, and to your heel (or intersecting your foot at the stirrup). • The Seat Bones: Rest equally on both of your sit bones (ischial tuberosities) rather than leaning onto your tailbone or pubic bone. • The Pelvis: Keep your pelvis in a neutral, level position—neither tipped too far forward (arched back) nor rolled backward (slouching or chair seat). • The Spine and Core: Engage your core gently (pulling your belly button slightly toward your spine) to lift your chest, roll your shoulders back, and maintain a natural lower spine curve. • Breathing: Soften your belly and lower back so you can breathe deeply instead of tensing your upper chest.
Leg and Arm Placement
• Legs: Let your legs drape naturally down by gravity without gripping tightly with your knees or thighs. • Feet and Stirrups: Keep your weight in the balls of your feet with your heels lower than your toes, and point your toes forward or slightly outward (around a 45-degree angle) by rotating from the hip. • Arms and Hands: Keep your elbows bent and relaxed, holding a soft, steady contact on the reins through straight lines from your elbow to the horse's bit.
