Why Lift and Sit Squarely?

Or, What My Horse Feels!

Have you ever wondered why you’ve been taught to sit up properly and lift on your horse? Sure, it looks great, but what does your horse feel? Try this…

Find a firm-seated chair, one without much give in the seat. Place your hands under your seat bones, palms facing down. Now relax, maybe even slump a little. Feel the two lumps – your seat bones. Now, lift, growing tall, using your abs, lengthening from your tailbone to the top of your head. What a difference! You’ve just lightened the load on your horse, plus given him a better connection to your seat. My instructor, Julie Burt (photo right), tells me that’s what I should be using for communication with my horse – my seat, not my hands.

This tip is courtesy of Sylvia Loch, in her video Balance and Bodywork. Sylvia’s new book, The Rider’s Balance:  Understanding the Weight Aids in Pictures, is now available on Amazon.

Need tips on sitting tall? Take a look at How Do You “Sit Tall”?