BALANCED RIDER, BALANCED HORSE

Use the steps in the Training Pyramid to
develop performance enhanced skills.

We owe it to ourselves to develop skills that will help our horses' develop theirs. Equine education replaces fear with knowledge and builds on the odds of creating horses that reward us for the time and expense we invest in them.

World Champion Bob Avila said "Since the horse does not have the ability to think correct body position for himself, the rider has to do it for him." I use the steps in the Training Pyramid to develop my skills to positively affect my performance. Each step builds on the ultimate goal of collection and self-carriage, and provides guidelines to enhance rhythm and forward, suppleness and connection, helping me to train straight, balanced horses that are capable of adjusting their stride – all important elements of better barrel racing and rewarding rides.

Good balanced body alignment –
Hips over heels, shoulder over hips.

An integral part of the education process is understanding how important the selection of proper equipment is in developing confidence, connection and balanced riding at all speeds, regardless of the discipline. After the devastating fire a little over a year ago, Courts Saddlery is back in full production of the best manufactured saddles in the industry. Both the Performance Lite and the new Signature Series help promote balanced riding by aligning the rider's body for enhanced performance. Our seat, hands, reins and bit help control the front end of the horse, including the shoulder area, important for riding straight lines and balanced turns. The mid section of our horse and the hind end are guided and supported by our seat and legs. Without well engineered tools that allow our bodies to remain in a athletic balanced position, we lose the ability to promote our horses' balanced position.

The proper saddle is designed to aid the rider in communicating with the horse for the requested maneuver. Funny, I hear riders talking about the beautiful saddle they just are dying to have, the one with the green seat, or the bling conchos. I rarely hear riders say, I'm looking at a saddle that I feel will help me become a more balanced and effective rider, or how the saddle will compliment the horse's performance. With all of the choices in the market, it's easy to lose perspective on priorities.

Equally important, consider the components that make up the saddle. Stirrups, make up about 30% of the feel and effectiveness of the saddle! The fit and function of the stirrup is as important as the fit of the seat for the rider. I want room for my foot to move into position in the stirrup, both left to right and front to back. I prefer a 3" stirrup to help distribute my weight in the stirrup and conversely, to help support and promote the balance in my upper body. I feel too confined if the stirrup is too tight or narrow. I balance my weight somewhere between the ball of my foot and the arch, and need room to do so. A balanced foot, positioned parallel to the horses side and parallel to the ground, helps assure body alignment.

Often times the stock stirrups that come on saddles are selected for their price point, not for their effectiveness. My recommendations are the aluminum SA Wall's or the wooden hand crafted Nettles, both available at the Barrel Racing Superstore.

Body posture is evident in golf, tennis, baseball and gymnastics, yet so easily overlooked in the study of equestrian performance. Remember your horse and his performance is a mirror image of your commitment to the parts of the puzzle that combine to make the big picture. Our 2012 Clinic Schedule is online and we look forward to helping you achieve better performance!