I often get the question, "But what exactly is posture and seat training? What do you do?"
It's a very valid question, as many people still have the notion that seat training is only for those who can't ride well. But my focus is actually on riders who want to ride even better and see if they can communicate more effectively with a more refined posture and seat.
I must admit, there's still a bit of a taboo surrounding it, but it's getting better!
During a typical dressage-focused training, the emphasis is mainly on improving the horse through exercises. In seat training, my focus is particularly on:
- How do you absorb the horse's movement, especially during exercises?
- How can you invite the horse to move more freely from that posture?
- What exactly should you do with your body when giving aids, and is the rider compensating unconsciously? (And yes, every rider does this... awareness is half the battle)
When I train riders in posture and seat, I use various tools. The primary goal is of course to refine posture during riding and to become aware of one's own movement patterns,but as a baseline measurement, I use a balance stool. Sometimes, adjusting the movement pattern is quite difficult while riding, so we use a vaulting horse which allows the rider to focus solely on their posture and seat.
We also train off the horse on the ground for stability training and to address any asymmetry. Or to replicate the movements without a horse.
In short... the approach is different for every rider, but the starting point is the same for everyone. Whether you're a recreational rider or a Grand Prix rider, good riding starts with sitting well on your horse!