What is saddleseat

The Fine Harness Horse performs two gaits both ways of the showring — walk and collected trot. The walk is animated and springy. A good performing Fine Harness Horse should be beautiful, fine, alert and airy. Shown with full mane and tail with boots worn on the front feet. These boots are not needed for protection because speed is not a factor but adds to the elegant appearance of the horse.

The Fine Harness Horse is shown in a four-wheel show cart. Saddle Seat Equitation is performed in various age divisions.

Only mare and geldings are used. The Pleasure Horse should be a typical Saddlebred with quality style, presence and suitable conformation and have prompt comfortable gaits that give the impression of being agreeable to ride. Easy ground covering action is desired and special emphasis is placed on a true flat foot walk. Transitions from one gait to the next should be smooth and effortless. Riding Position.

Riding and Showing. Pattern Practice. Finishing Touches. Rider Fitness. Featured Rider. Related Reading. Recommended Reading. Favorite Links. Contact Us. General Showmanship Good Sportsmanship is paramount. The line up at Lexington during the Senior. Trinity Farm Join 31 other followers. Sign me up. Already have a WordPress. Log in now. The cutback saddles used in saddle seat riding are flatter than other English saddles, so you need to center yourself comfortably in the seat.

Adjust your stirrups so that the bottom of the stirrup iron hits your ankle bone when you let your leg hang. If your stirrups are adjusted correctly and your saddle is the right size, there will be an inch or two between your seat and the cantle.

Maintaining a neutral, vertical position in the saddle will allow you to balance properly and move in sync with your horse. One of the most common misconceptions of saddle seat riding is that the riders are supposed to push their feet out in front of them. When viewed from the side, there should be a straight line that runs perpendicular to the ground from your ear through your shoulder and hip to your heel.

This position is necessary for balance. If your leg is too far behind you, it will cause your upper body to lean forward. Think of the joints in your lower body as shock absorbers; they need to remain in line and be fluid, not stiff, to be effective. Riders coming to saddle seat from other disciplines often have the most trouble with lower leg position. Beard explains that this difference in position comes from the difference in horses used for saddle seat riding.

We ride our high-powered horses the same way.