Your riding position is the foundation of effective communication with your horse. A correct position allows you to move with your horse, apply aids clearly, and maintain balance in all gaits. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, we all develop position habits that can be improved. This guide will help you identify common position mistakes and learn how to fix them.
Why Riding Position Matters
A correct riding position isn't just about looking elegant—it's functional. Good position allows you to:
- Maintain balance without gripping or tensing
- Apply aids (leg, seat, hand) effectively and independently
- Move fluidly with your horse's motion
- Avoid causing your horse discomfort or confusion
- Ride safely and prevent falls
- Avoid physical strain and injury to yourself
The Classical Riding Position
Before we address mistakes, let's establish what correct position looks like:
From the side: An imaginary straight line should run from your ear, through your shoulder and hip, to your heel.
Head and eyes: Looking ahead in the direction of travel, chin level, neck relaxed.
Shoulders: Back and down, chest open, not rounded forward or pulled back stiffly.
Arms: Relaxed, elbows bent at your sides, following the horse's mouth movement.
Hands: Soft, closed fists with thumbs on top, maintaining a straight line from elbow through hand to bit.
Core: Engaged but not rigid, allowing your hips to move with the horse.
Seat: Deep in the saddle, sitting on your seat bones, pelvis neutral.
Legs: Long and relaxed, heels down, toes pointing forward, calf in light contact with horse's side.
Common Position Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Looking Down
The problem: Looking down at your horse, the ground, or your hands throws your balance forward and rounds your shoulders.
Why it happens: Nervousness, checking position, or lack of confidence.
The fix:
- Pick a focal point ahead at eye level and ride toward it
- Imagine a string pulling the crown of your head upward
- Practice feeling your position without looking
- Have someone call out when you look down to build awareness
2. Rounded Shoulders and Collapsed Chest
The problem: Hunching forward restricts your breathing, weakens your core, and puts you ahead of your horse's motion.
Why it happens: Tension, trying to "help" the horse, or poor core strength.
The fix:
- Roll your shoulders back and down
- Imagine opening your chest like a book
- Think "proud posture" without being stiff
- Strengthen your core off the horse with planks and back exercises
- Breathe deeply to open your chest
3. Gripping with Knees and Thighs
The problem: Gripping pushes your seat out of the saddle, reduces stability, and tires your legs quickly.
Why it happens: Trying to stay secure, nervousness, or not understanding how to balance.
The fix:
- Focus on sinking your weight down through your heels
- Practice riding without stirrups to develop a deep seat
- Consciously relax your thigh muscles
- Think of your legs as "draped" around the horse
- Security comes from your seat and core, not your grip
4. Heels Up, Toes Down
The problem: Raised heels push you forward, reduce stability, and prevent effective leg aids.
Why it happens: Tension, gripping with knees, or stirrups too long.
The fix:
- Check stirrup length (when foot is out of stirrup, stirrup bar should reach your ankle bone)
- Stretch your calf muscles before riding
- Think of pushing your heel toward the ground
- Relax your ankle joint—it should act as a shock absorber
- Practice standing in stirrups at halt to feel weight in heels
5. Stiff, Fixed Hands
The problem: Rigid hands restrict the horse's mouth, prevent proper contact, and cause resistance.
Why it happens: Tension, trying to control the horse, or using hands for balance.
The fix:
- Hold reins like you're holding a baby bird—firm enough not to drop it, gentle enough not to hurt it
- Allow your hands to follow the horse's head movement, especially in walk
- Keep elbows bent and at your sides
- Practice elastic contact—give and take gently
- Never use reins for balance—that's your core's job
6. Leaning Forward (Ahead of the Motion)
The problem: Leaning forward puts you off balance, makes it harder to sit to the trot, and can unbalance your horse.
Why it happens: Nervousness, trying to go faster, or weak core.
The fix:
- Sit back and feel your seat bones in the saddle
- Imagine your shoulders stacked over your hips
- Engage your core to maintain upright posture
- Practice transitions to develop feel for staying with the motion
7. Leaning Back (Behind the Motion)
The problem: Leaning back restricts your horse's movement, makes you bounce in trot, and looks ineffective.
Why it happens: Trying to slow down, fear of falling forward, or incorrect instruction.
The fix:
- Bring your shoulders forward to stack over your hips
- Use your core and seat to slow down, not leaning back
- Think of your upper body as a tower stacked over your seat
8. Tipping to One Side
The problem: Collapsing one hip or leaning to one side unbalances both you and your horse.
Why it happens: Natural body asymmetry, habit, or compensating for a crooked horse.
The fix:
- Have someone watch and tell you which way you lean
- Feel for equal weight in both seat bones
- Imagine a level line across your hips
- Strengthen your weaker side with off-horse exercises
- Practice riding without stirrups to develop even seat
9. Legs Swinging or Too Far Forward/Back
The problem: Unstable legs give unclear aids and reduce your security.
Why it happens: Lack of core strength, incorrect stirrup length, or gripping with knees.
The fix:
- Check stirrup length is correct
- Engage your core to stabilize your upper body
- Think of your leg hanging from your hip like a weighted rope
- Practice leg position at halt before moving
10. Perching on the Front of the Saddle
The problem: Sitting on your crotch instead of your seat bones reduces stability and control.
Why it happens: Tension, gripping with thighs, or trying to rise too high in rising trot.
The fix:
- Sit back and feel your seat bones
- Tilt your pelvis slightly to bring seat bones into contact with saddle
- In rising trot, rise only enough to clear the saddle
- Relax your thighs and let your seat sink deep
Exercises to Improve Your Position
On the Horse
Riding without stirrups: Develops a deep, independent seat and improves balance.
Two-point position: Strengthens legs and improves balance (hold for 30 seconds, gradually increase).
Arm circles: At walk, make large circles with your arms to loosen shoulders and improve independent seat.
Eyes closed (with supervision): Briefly close your eyes to develop feel and body awareness.
Transitions: Frequent walk-trot-walk transitions improve balance and position awareness.
Off the Horse
Core strengthening: Planks, bridges, and Pilates improve riding posture.
Yoga: Improves flexibility, balance, and body awareness.
Stretching: Hip flexor and calf stretches help achieve correct leg position.
Balance exercises: Standing on one leg or using a balance board.
Getting Feedback on Your Position
It's difficult to feel your own position accurately. Use these methods to get feedback:
- Mirrors: Ride in an arena with mirrors if available
- Video: Have someone film your riding from the side and behind
- Instructor: Regular lessons with a qualified instructor
- Photos: Compare your position to classical riding images
- Feel: Develop body awareness through mindful riding
The Role of Proper Equipment
Your equipment can help or hinder your position:
Saddle fit: A poorly fitting saddle makes correct position impossible. Ensure your saddle fits both you and your horse.
Stirrup length: Too long or too short affects your entire position. Adjust until the stirrup bar reaches your ankle bone when your leg hangs free.
Appropriate clothing: Well-fitted breeches allow freedom of movement, and proper riding boots help maintain correct heel position. Read more: How to Choose the Right Riding Boots.
Be Patient with Yourself
Improving your riding position takes time, body awareness, and consistent practice. Don't expect perfection—even Olympic riders continually work on their position. Focus on one element at a time, celebrate small improvements, and remember that position work is a lifelong journey.
Common timeline for position improvements:
- Awareness: 1-2 weeks of focused attention
- Conscious correction: 1-3 months of regular practice
- Muscle memory: 6-12 months for new position to feel natural
- Refinement: Ongoing throughout your riding career
Final Thoughts
Your riding position is the foundation of effective, safe, and harmonious riding. By identifying and correcting common mistakes, you'll improve your communication with your horse, enhance your riding experience, and progress faster in your equestrian journey. Remember: every rider, no matter how experienced, has position elements to improve. The key is awareness, practice, and patience.
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