The Importance Of a Good Position 07/15/2011

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Ever since I was a little kid, one of the things I remember constantly being nagged about was 'heels down, heels down, HEELS DOWN!' At the time I thought my instructor was just picking on me, but I realize now the importance of a good position. Your heels are the base of your support and help control your balance. That is one of the first things to remember about your position. 

The second thing to remember is to imagine a line from your heel, through your hip, and all the way up to top of your head. This keeps your legs in the right position to be able to give your horse proper aids and is the foundation for further riding skills. Your head should be looking straight ahead at where you are going, looking down at the horse can cause your whole body to lean forward. You back should be quite straight, not stiff, but not slouching over, and there should be a straight line from your elbow down the reins to your horses bit.

The way you sit and hold your self in the saddle not only makes the whole picture of you and your horse look better, you’re actually helping your horse in the way he moves and it can help give you extra control over him/her. (And I think your horse would be much happier with you sitting still and balanced. Rather then unbalanced, sloppy and bouncing all over the place, imagine having someone bouncing up and down thumping on your back!)

 

101 Jumping Exercises for Horse & Rider 07/14/2011

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Best. Book. Ever. That is all I have to say about it. On a more serious note I think this book is amazing! So many different exercises for suppleness, straightness, striding, and so much more! An invaluable book to have in your 'horsey library', definitely recommend it, and its not to expensive either! If you buy it from http://bookdepository.com you can get it for $25 nzd and they do free shipping too :)