How to Sit in a Saddle

Sitting properly in the saddle when on a horse is one of the most important aspects of riding. This is what helps to establish the contact between yourself and the horse--and keeps you from feeling the after-effects of riding the next day!

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sit so that you are deep in the saddle. Keep you back straight, and your legs in contact with the saddle and the horse.

2. Keep both seat bones in contact with the saddle. If you do not keep the seat bones evenly in contact with the saddle when you're at rest, you will find that your body's alignment will be off.

3. Visualize a string that pulls you up through the top of the head. This will keep your back straight and your head correctly positioned over your shoulders. You will also find that your pelvis will be tilted back, helping your body's alignment.

4. Make sure your stirrup leathers are at the proper length. The way to determine this is to take your feet out of the stirrups and allow the stirrups to hang. The bottom of the irons should touch your ankles. If your stirrups are too long, you will not be able to lengthen your legs, putting down your heels, and thus sit deeply in the saddle. If they are too short, you will find yourself perched a little above the saddle.

5. Keep your legs slightly bent so that your heels, hips and shoulder are in the same plane. This will help you keep your seat correctly positioned in the saddle.