The Correct Seat of the Rider

The correct riding seat is essential for the rider to influence the horse effectively. Only those who sit correctly can give proper aids. For this reason, we have dedicated ourselves once again to the perfect rider’s seat.

Correct Riding Seat: The Dressage Seat

• The foundation of all seat forms
• The rider sits upright in the saddle
• Shoulder, hip, and heel are aligned in a straight line
• Correct Seat: The Basis of All Rider Influence
• The rider sits relaxed in the deepest point of the saddle
• Their weight is evenly distributed on both seat bones
• Knees rest flat against the saddle

The rider sits relaxed in the lowest point of the saddle.

• Thighs are slightly inclined inward
• Knees are slightly bent (correct stirrup length)
• The inside of the calf touches the horse’s side
• The feet rest near their widest part in the stirrup

The correct dressage seat is stretched, relaxed, and upright

• The heel is the lowest point of the rider
• Foot remains under the rider’s center of gravity
• The spine retains its natural shape, exactly above the center of the saddle
• The rider sits effortlessly, upright, without tension
• The hip does not collapse 

The rider should avoid collapsing at the hip.

• The hips follow the movements of the horse’s back.
• The head is carried free and upright
• The gaze is straight ahead over the horse's ears
• Shoulders are slightly drawn back
• The chest is slightly lifted
• Upper arms hang slightly in front of the vertical
• Forearms and elbows rest lightly against the upper body

The Correct Hand Position

The hands are loosely closed into fists in the correct riding seat. They are carried upright. This hand position allows fine rein aids to be given from the wrist.
The thumbs form a roof over the fists, meaning they are slightly curved to prevent the reins from slipping uncontrollably.

With the correct hand position, fine rein aids can be given.

The Light Seat

The light seat relieves the horse's back when riding over jumps, in the field, or when riding young horses.

• It is used in a jumping saddle or an eventing saddle
• Stirrups are significantly shorter than in the dressage seat
• The rider leans forward from the hips
• Thighs, knees, and heels bear the rider's weight
• The seat remains in the saddle so that the rider stays balanced

The light seat relieves the horse's back.

• At higher speeds and when jumping, the seat lifts more from the saddle
• The upper body is in an elastic middle position
• The upper body should neither be stiff nor restless
• Avoid rounding the back or creating a hollow back
• Security in the saddle comes from a firm grip with the knees
• The lower leg rests against the girth
• The calf maintains contact with the horse’s side
• The foot is placed in the stirrup up to its widest part
• The heel is the lowest point
• Upper arms and elbows are positioned slightly in front of the torso
• The forearm, reins, and horse's mouth form a straight line
• Hands are carried upright in front of the withers
• The head is free and upright
• The gaze is forward

The Most Common Seat Errors

Seat errors can arise from poor habits, posture problems, a lack of rhythm, or an ill-fitting saddle. It is particularly important that the rider's seat is regularly corrected by a trainer.

The Chair Seat

This is the result of stirrups being buckled too short, constant riding in a jumping saddle, or a saddle where the deepest point is too far back.

The seat is pushed backward out of the deepest point of the saddle

Recognizing the Chair Seat

• Gluteal muscles are tense
• Thighs and knees are pulled up
• The rider loses the ability to give effective aids
• The rider no longer sits on the seat bones
• The seat surface is reduced, reducing the effectiveness of the aids
• The lumbar spine can no longer swing optimally
• The rider sits hunched
• Chest is drawn in
• Head is unsteady and not upright
• Lower legs are too far forward
• The rider’s hands are no longer independent, and they rely on the reins

The Split Seat

The split seat results from stirrups being buckled too long or a saddle where the deepest point is too far forward.

In the split seat, the seat bones are relieved, and the lower legs slip backward.

Recognizing the Split Seat

• The weight rests on the thighs and groin
• Seat bones are relieved
• The lower legs slip backward
• The rider often has a hollow back
• Seat bones and muscles are not in contact with the horse
• Weight aids cannot be given
• The lumbar spine stiffens into a hollow back and cannot swing
• The rider has little driving influence
• The rider’s hands are no longer independent
• Hands are pressed down or rest on the withers