Suppossedly to free up the shoulders and to drive the horse forwards. In pacing horses leaning back supossedly lessens the shock in the rider from the concussion. Course I dont think its very effective either way.
I might have chosen the wrong word in stating effectiveness. Perhaps I should have said equitationaly correct.
I guess it would be harder if one leaned forward or just stand up in the stirrups in regards to the pace talk about milkshake guts.....eeek.
In the speed rack it makes more sense for freeing up the shoulders. Its a spectacle to watch thats for sure. At a couple of sanctioned shows Ive been to had a speed rack class (usualy the last class of the night) that drew ppl from miles around even those not into the speed thing to watch them go. They sure can move it out. It can get kind of hairy at times and though not exactly "pretty" to watch but exciting none the less. I think the riders are little nuts to engage in such things but then again your looking/talking to someone who is not into speed (I dont have the need nor the heart for speed). However I have sen ppl ride speed rackers that did not lean back so much. This one guy just simply sat in the saddle and let his horse go. A boy did he go.
theres no greater rush than racking along at 25-30 mph. no smoother ride either. now a pace is something different. but even at higher speeds that pace will be smoother than at slow speeds.
for those that lean way back its more for looks. but when first learning to ride these big motor horses, its easier (its a mental thing) to feel safe and secure in your saddle if you put your feet way out front and lean back into the seat and cantle of your saddle.
many will progress from this way of sitting the saddle to a more upright position but some never leave it. its also a comfort thing.
heres a cool video of some nice rackers and alot of pacers too. many different riding styles demonstrated
The video (before its ran) showing the still picture of the racking horse shows the true "single foot" action in perfection (so cool). Note one foot is on the ground. Geesh I wish I could run that video (dial up sucks).
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