Are you aware of the various riding positions that exist? Have you considered how your riding position can impact your horse’s smooth gait? Did you know that by adopting the right riding position can give you confidence to navigate through unexpected spooks?
Riding Position and its Effect on the Gaited Horse
By Jennifer Klitzke
As someone who has been immersed in the world of dressage since 1988, I have explored different approaches to rider position through lessons, clinics, books, and videos.
Comparing Rider Positions
When it comes to rider position, there are multiple methods to consider. The first rider position I learned emphasized aligning the ear, hip, and heel. It focuses on growing tall with the upper body while pressing the heel down into the stirrup and maintaining a nearly straight leg. It is discouraged to use the knee and thigh against the saddle. At the sitting trot, there is a slight feeling of leaning back as the rider loosely follows the horse’s movement by balance and relaxation. This is the way I rode for many years.
Did you know that by sitting tall with the upper body shifts the center of gravity upward and causes a less secure riding position? After falling off by sudden spooks, I was ready to learn a new way riding position.
In addition, did you know that when pressing the heels down into the irons, it presses the saddle more strongly on the horse’s back and causes the horse to hollow. A hollow back isn’t comfortable for any horse and impedes the ability for quality smooth gaits.
Then I attended a Mary Wanless rider bio-mechanics clinic. Mary’s approach to balance and stillness fascinated me. She taught riders to engage their core muscles by bearing down, seal their thighs and knees against the saddle to hold much of their weight in their thighs rather than pressing it down into the heel. In this position, the rider’s toes lightly rest in the stirrup, and there is a 90-degree bend at the knee. Instead of leaning back, the rider experiences a pressing forward feeling from the sternum, as if resisting someone’s push.
Mary’s theories are based on her extensive education in physics, biomechanics, and her own experience riding dressage at the upper levels. She has coached top riders like Heather Blitz, who achieved success in Grand Prix dressage competitions.
Mary has a knack for putting words into how talented dressage riders ride. Even though I have been a book and video student for decades, it wasn’t until I attended her clinic that her insights into riding position and biomechanics truly clicked for me.
Eleven steps to a more secure rider position that benefits the horse and smooth gaits
1. Stirrup length: Adjust the stirrup irons to create a 90-degree bend in your knee, even if it initially feels too short.
2. External alignment: Align your ear, hip, and heel while sitting just behind the horse’s withers.
3. Thigh and knee position: Rotate your thighs inward, allowing them to seal against the saddle, distributing your weight along the horse’s back rather than resting on the spine.
4. Toes in irons: Lightly rest your toes in the stirrup.
5. Rotate tailbone: Rotate your tailbone forward, flattening your lower back.
6. Position in motion: Ask the horse to walk and feel the slight rotation of your hips with each step.
7. Bear down: Engage your core by “bearing down” while walking, which lowers your center of gravity and enhances stability in the saddle.
8. Seat bones: Lower your three seat bones evenly onto the saddle.
9. Breathing: Breathe deeply, expanding your lungs as if they fill up your stomach.
10. Resisting the push: Resist a push against your sternum, engaging your core further.
11. Awareness of sitting surface: Imagine someone pushing against your hands as you hold the reins, encouraging you to ride forward with the horse instead of restraining it.
Rider Position and its Effect on the Horse
By following these steps, you will become more aware of your sitting surface, with your core and seat bones closer to the saddle for increased stability. Your knees and thighs will lightly support your body weight along the saddle for greater comfort to the horse.
While Mary teaches this riding position to riders with non-gaited horses, I have found that it also works exceptionally well with my naturally gaited horses. Aligning my position, lowering my core, and distributing my weight through my thighs immediately elicits a response from my horses. They lift their back, wither and shoulder, and move more naturally forward without prompting on my part. And best of all, their gaits are smoother, providing a more enjoyable riding experience for both of us.
This revelation has taught me that my rider position directly affects my horse’s performance. When I ride with proper alignment and positioning, my horses require less correction, and they move smoother and more comfortably forward. Conversely, when I fall back into old habits, my horses respond by dropping their back and becoming tense, reminding me to readjust my position.
A Secure Rider Position
In comparison to my previous riding position, I have found Mary’s riding position to be more stable and secure. The 90-degree angle of my knees combined with lowering my center of gravity closer to the saddle while lightly holding my knees and thighs against it, I feel more secure. This newfound stability has increased my confidence, especially when riding through unexpected spooks. When I have confidence, it is easier to be relaxed which helps my horse relax, creating a harmonious partnership.
Yes, there is more than one way to ride a horse. After 25 years of riding one way, I’m sure glad that I gave Mary’s rider position a try. It has made me a more effective, aware and confident rider which has translated into becoming a more trusted leader to my horse.
What are your thoughts? Please reach out and send me a message or stay connected by subscribing to the Naturally Gaited youtube channel and “like” us on facebook.com/naturallygaitedhorse.
Visit: mary-wanless.com for educational videos, published stories, books and DVDs. You can even become a cyber student and find where she is teaching world wide near you.
