Exercises To Achieve A Balanced Independant Seat?

Hi Everyone.


=)


Wondering if anyone would like to share some of their exercises for attaining a balanced independant seat?


Thankks. =)


X.

Centered Riding by Sally Swift

Great book and DVD's.

I think the best thing that you can do is take lunge lessons. That way, you don't have to worry about the horse at all, you can just focus on yourself and learn to relax the muscles that need to be relaxed and engage the muscles that need to be engaged :)

I agree...lunging=key to sucess. Lunging has really helped me. Gaining muscle (riding in two point, and trotting on lung line and go up on toes and sink down in heels-Works the calfs real good) :)

Just as already mentioned, Sally Swift is a fabulous person to look towards for centered, and balance riding. I love her!

Also - I agree with Lunge Line Work. BUT!! Reinless Lunge Line Work. NOW, you have no hands to rely on *so many riders ride with their hands first instead of seat* while this way, you have to focus on your more important parts of your body, your seat, your core, your legs.

Okay! Thanks Everyone!


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Will order some of Sally Swift's books and DVD's soon then! =)

I have my dad or my brother lunge me without reins in my two point, it hurts, but it's helped lots!

I agree 120% on lunge-work with no reins!! It works WONDERS. I like to close my eyes and extend my arms to either side. All you feel is your seat and the horse under you. Your seat becomes so light and natural. Its the greatest feeling in the world!

I close my eyes too. It helps heaps!!! I don't have a instructor or anyone to lunge me tho, I just do it when I ride :P

I LOVE Sally Swift, her books are amazing, and I am lucky enough to have a Centered Riding Coach!
One of my favorite exercises is when she ties yarn to the bit, and then that's all we have to control our horse (Obviously the real rein is still there, just tied in a knot). Its a great way to test if you are leaning on the reins - something I used to do horribly, and old habits die hard so I love this one to keep me in check!
This is something you have to do with a horse that really is already listening to the seat very well, otherwise you are going to break the yarn pretty quickly!