Riding balanced is something that takes a lot of practice and time and more practice and time to figure out. It's also a topic that can't be covered in just a basic post. But here are some main points to keep in mind as you seek to become a more balanced rider.
1. Ride with your body in vertical alignment: ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips, hips over heels and heels dropped slightly lower than your toes. It's this alignment that keeps you centered over the horse's motion.
2. As your horse shifts it's weight from one side to another, sit over the pivot point behind the withers and don't lean forward or back or more right or left. Stay centered. Keep your weight distributed evenly over your right and left seat bones and down each leg into your stirrup. This will keep your horse traveling in a balanced frame.
3. Prevent yourself from leaning too far forward or too far back by lifting your rib cage and stabilizing your core muscles.
4. Engage your stomach muscles and allow your hips and lower back to remain loose in order to follow your horses' motion.
Next post we will give you more tips on how to find your seat bones and balance.