Top 7 in Equestrianism: Tips for Improvement

Whether you enjoy classical, western, leisure, or competitive riding, or even ethological or adapted riding, progressing is essential. La Sellerie Française, an expert in quality equipment, shares its tips to become a high-level rider.

Key Points

• Master the balance position for better communication with the horse
• Adopt the correct posture of the planer for a high-level technique
• Place your hands in the middle of the neck for optimal control
• Look ahead to anticipate and improve your position

Master the Balance Position

Becoming an accomplished rider requires mastering the balance position. This posture allows you to harmonize with your horse's movements. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Correctly Adjust Your Stirrups

It is crucial to properly adjust the length of your stirrups. They should match the size of your legs. This allows you to place your feet comfortably.

Loosen Your Body

Being flexible helps absorb the horse's movements well. Before mounting, take the time to stretch and relax.

Heels Down, Feet at the Ends of the Stirrups

You should keep your heels slightly down and your feet at the ends of the stirrups. This position helps you find a perfect balance in the saddle.

Squeeze with Your Calves, Not Your Knees

Focus on your calves rather than your knees. This method provides a stable position and improves communication with your horse.

Adopt the Correct Planer Posture

The “planer” position is essential for riders. It requires following key elements for a smooth and balanced jump.

Bend Your Knees and Bring Your Buttocks Closer to the Saddle

You need to bend your knees and bring your buttocks closer to the saddle. This helps absorb the horse's movements well.

Naturally Advance Your Shoulders

Your shoulders should naturally advance. This posture, with the bending of the knees, aids balance and facilitates landing.

Mastering this posture is crucial for advancing in riding. It allows the rider to stay in sync with their horse.

Place Your Hands in the Middle of the Neck

When you mount the horse, it is crucial to place your hands in the middle of the neck. This ensures maximum stability. Your arms will remain flexible, which helps absorb the horse's movements. Hands at the withers, on the other hand, can cause shocks at the bit.

By placing your hands at the center of the neck, you achieve better stability. This allows you to better follow the horse's movements. It enables a light and constant contact with the horse's mouth, promoting smooth communication.

1. Keep your hands slightly in front of the vertical, at the middle of the neck.
2. Your elbows should be close to your body, without being glued.
3. Your arms should remain flexible and relaxed to absorb the horse's movements.

By adopting this hand position, you will gain stability and flexibility. This way, you can communicate more smoothly with your mount.

Look Ahead to Anticipate

Looking ahead in balance has many advantages. It improves your position in the saddle. You can also anticipate obstacles and avoid loading your horse's shoulders.

By turning your head towards the future, you train your shoulders and your pelvis. This sends a signal to your horse to prepare for the next jump.

Improve Your Position

By fixing your gaze far ahead, you maintain an upright posture. Your body follows your gaze, helping you find the right position for obstacles.

Prepare the Horse for Obstacles

By looking at the obstacle, your horse senses the change. It prepares better, becoming more responsive and ready for your aids.