It is the most important tool of communication between horse and rider. Only the balanced posture will allow the horse to be comfortable, mentally and physically. A rider in the wrong place, and not in balance, or stiff, will prevent his horse from relaxing, keep the horse from developing and muscling up harmoniously.

Find Your Balance: Sit squarely, with your seat bones comfortably in the middle of the saddle seat and your legs hanging loose on each side. Make sure you are not slouched to one side and are feeling relaxed. A Foot in Each Stirrup: Lift up your feet and slide them into the stirrups.

The forward seat, favoured for show jumping, hunting, and cross-country riding, is generally considered to conform with the natural action of the horse. The rider sits near the middle of the saddle, his torso a trifle forward, even at the halt.

First and foremost, a rider’s heels being down helps to keep the foot from getting caught in the stirrup, which could turn into a dangerous situation very quickly—especially if the rider were to fall. If a rider’s toes slip too far forward, their foot can go through the stirrup instead of balancing on the bar.

Strong abdominal and lower back muscles are essential for maintaining good standing and sitting positioning. Horseback riding provides a great way to improve one’s posture due to the core muscles it targets. By practicing proper riding positioning, your posture out of the saddle will likely improve, as well.

“Horseback riding really works the core muscles that stabilize the trunk: the abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles,” explains Alison Stout, DO, of EvergreenHealth Sport & Spine Care. “Horseback riding is a great way to exercise different parts of the body,” she says.

Horse riding is greatly beneficial in developing better muscle coordination, especially in younger riders or therapeutic riders. Because you need to use your muscles and each body part separately, but also in harmony and unison as to not be too floppy in the saddle.

As they make progress they will also be learning some very important life skills. There are some obvious benefits of doing any sport. Improved motor skills, balance, coordination, increased muscle tone and improved fitness in general. Horseback riding also means your child gets to spend time outdoors in all seasons.

You don’t need a horse, or even a saddle, to stay in shape and improve your riding.

1. Commit to cardio.
2. Work on your core strength.
3. Practice yoga.
4. Read articles and watch videos.
5. Re-watch your own riding videos.
6. Start adjusting your mindset.
7. Practice out-of-the-saddle exercises.

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1. Wear proper horse riding equipment.
2. Greet your horse.
3. Mount with confidence.
4. Don’t slouch.
5. Be gentle with the reins.
6. Don’t hold the saddle horn for balance.
7. Keep your eyes where you’re going.
8. Stay in tune with your horse.