Riding With Correct Body Position
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Published 2023-06-26
SEAT
To ride with intent, I want my seat to be following the horse and relaxed. I keep my weight evenly distributed on my feet by standing in the stirrups while still sitting in the saddle. This ensures that I stay with my horse anywhere he goes.
FEET & LEGS
Many people ride with a stirrup that allows their legs to hang long. I prefer my stirrups to be short enough that I can bend my knees and keep weight in my feet. I like to keep my legs directly underneath me so that I am balanced and square, neither in front of the movement, nor behind.
SHOULDERS
I make a conscious effort to keep my inside shoulder up so that I stay out of my horse's way and he can more easily move with balance.
HANDS
When I'm riding, I often pretend that my hands are handcuffed together at the saddle horn. Most people will benefit from using their hands less and their legs more.
EYES
It's critical to always look where you want to go. When I want to make a smaller circle at a lope, I will use my eyes to draw the circle in and make it smaller. Using your eyes to look where you want to go will make subtle shifts in your body that in turn communicate to your horse.
Initiative
"Initiative" is the decision we make to do more. It is the decision to do whatever it takes to reach a goal or to make a difference. To become better riders, we must have a measure of initiative in order to make the changes necessary to grow.
All Comments (21)
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The fact that it is here for free is just something. Thank you so much, I'll be practicing that next time I ride.
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Ken, thank you for explaining things so clearly. I have been riding since I was 4 years old, I’m 59 now. I was thrown two years ago and suffered 2 compression fractures T11-12. I returned to riding 6 months after my injury, however, only trail riding. I now have a two yo filly I just sent to a trainer to start, and a three yo mare started by a great reined cow horse trainer. Arena work was something I did a lot before breaking my back, but I am having a very hard time getting myself in rhythm with my mare at the lope. I am going to follow your recommendations to improve my seat, body position and my hands. I will return with updates about my progress. My goal is to get my riding to a place where I can take my mare to ranch versatility shows, and maybe reining, but right now I just want that awesome feeling back I would get when I could lope with my horse as a rider, not a passenger. Thank you again, Tracie
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This was so helpful, Ken! Thanks for breaking down these basics!
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absolutely love your videos! Im a newbie at 59! and you are helping tons! thank you
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I just tried your exercises and I can't believe the difference in my riding My bouncing stopped and my mares turn were so much better No one never told me to pick up.my shoulders what a difference. I am showing ranch classes and want to look and perform better. Thank you for bottom of.my heart.
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You know Ken I’ve been a horseman for quite awhile and if there is one thing I’ve learned is u can always learn more or something different I’ve learned quite a few things from you over the years. Thank you. God bless 🙏
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Thank you Ken for this video. Everyone has told me I should be very light in the stirrups and that I should feel I could slide my feet out of the stirrups at any gait but I bounce all over. I remember from a my childhood to put weight in my stirrups and not bouncing. Thanks for confirming what I believe was my theory to riding a horse and now will work on this on every ride
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Seems like I have to watch this video every 2 weeks. I still need to drill this into myself. After 40 years, you’d think…..
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thanks, I need to practice riding with my feet deeper in the stirrup I spent a lot of years riding english. I need to forget that I also will start raising my shoulder. good points to add to my routine.
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I recently ordered your dvd. Just watching the u-tube videos has clarified many mistakes I am making as a new rider. I enjoyed your teaching technique and examples
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This was a very helpful and informative video for a newbie like me.
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Thank you! I have a terrible time riding with stirrups. I always used to ride bareback. I don't bounce at all bareback, but have a terrible time in a saddle. This explains why.
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Priceless knowledge and insights and always great presentation ❤ 🙏
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What a Video for Improving my skills and thoughts about better riding. Thank you very much for your explanation and helpful Tipps!, God bless you !
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I think you just helped me realize why my horse dips inside when loping. I will remember the inside shoulder up!
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Great video! I liked your comment on the sewing thread holding your hands together! I tell myself when riding that I am using a plastic straw for a bit and sewing thread for reins. The goal for lightness is to not bend the straw or break the thread! Of course, I have yet to attempt this, but it is a great reminder to use light reins! I am definitely going to use the shoulder up inside and shoulder down outside tip Thanks! Kevin
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Man that was a good practical lesson. Thanks Ken.
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❤ Thank you for the valuable information and demonstrations! These will help me ride so much better!!!
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Wowww I love your way to teach and the final words❤
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One of best training videos I’ve seen! Thank you!
