Improving Balance

Proper balance is the most important fundamental to correct riding.  A lot of riders lack the proper balance which in turn creates an improper position, unsteady rider (who is more prone to fall), and a horse who suffers from an inconsistent rider or a heavy hand.  Balance work is the most important element in your riding; once this is achieved a rider can then move forward with their discipline.  

Savannah 22 months old; I  attached a flash noseband strap for a  handle to a surcingle so she could develop her seat without the bulk of a saddle. She can walk and trot with no problem. This works well for kids under 12, otherwise the surcingle puts them back too far.

Take it Slow

It's okay to stick with walk and trot transitions until your leg is developed or you until you have fixed your weak point.  Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!  Ask a friend to lunge you on your horse so you can concentrate on yourself and lose the reins.  Other exercises are muscle building exercises for where you are weak and core workouts which will help all riders develop a strong and independent seat.  My favorite exercise to develop a strong leg position is to drop your stirrups, keep your leg in the correct position, and slowly bend your body forward without bracing on the horse with your hands.  When you are an inch away from your horse's neck, raise your body back up without touching your horse.  You will notice if your leg is your weak point of you have a very hard time stopping your leg from slipping back.  Work up to doing 50 of them and you will see a huge improvement in you position.  Think of this exercise as you would sit ups.  

Correct Balance Applies to your Horse Too!

You are aware of the difficulty riders face when they do not have their balance in the saddle or when their position in incorrect.  It is the same with your horse.  If your horse is not conditioned to be straight, forward, and on the contact, you will discover your horse has developed uneven muscle tone, is inconsistent within his gaits, leans to one side, keeps his nose facing one direction, is very heavy on your hand, cannot perform to the best of his ability, etc., etc., etc.  How can you create a balanced horse? Stay straight!  The first rule when you are training a horse is forward and straight.  You can tell if your horse is straight by watching his shoulders.  Think of the term Control The Shoulders.  Start by separating your hands to the width of your horse's shoulders.  This will create a more effective use of your hand at this point.  Next while you are at the walk, keep your horse moving forward and really using his hind end effectively.  Walk a straight line and if your horse is unbalanced you will feel him try to lean in, lean out, etc.  It's okay if he is unbalanced.  Each time he tries to wiggle out of straight, keep a tight feel of your reins, push him forward with your leg (always equal amounts of leg and hand), and as soon as you feel him straighten, soften your hand and reward him.  Even if he only keeps it for 5 seconds.  It's a start and with consistency he will get better and better.  Once he can hold himself straight for more then a couple of seconds, practice 90 degree turns and square shapes all over the arena. Watch where the shoulders are.  I have a previous article where I go further into detail if you are experiencing a heavy horse on your hand.  Once you master your squares, ride a large circle. Make sure the shoulders don't fall in or out.  Congratulations you are on your way to perfect balance!