As riders, we spend a lot of time thinking about how we ride: what our hands are doing, where our feet are, and how we hold our reins. But one of the most important elements of good riding is often overlooked or misunderstood—the position of our body in the saddle, particularly the concept of "sitting deep."
At Texas Equine Education & Horsemanship, we know that developing a proper seat is one of the foundational skills for any rider. But "sitting deep in the saddle" can feel unnatural at first, especially for new riders who are still learning the mechanics of balance and posture. However, this position isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s an essential part of effective communication between you and your horse.
In this blog, we’ll explore what it means to sit deep in the saddle, the mechanics behind this position, and how it helps you communicate more clearly with your horse. We’ll also touch on why, despite feeling a bit unnatural at first, learning to sit deep is crucial to becoming a more effective and balanced rider.
What Does It Mean to Sit Deep in the Saddle?
When riders talk about "sitting deep," they’re referring to the feeling of engaging the seat bones and sinking into the saddle, rather than perching or hovering above it. Imagine that you're lowering your center of gravity and finding a position where you feel secure, balanced, and in harmony with the horse’s movement.
Sitting deep in the saddle is about maintaining a relaxed but stable position, using your pelvis, legs, and core to absorb the horse’s motion rather than allowing your body to be jostled or thrown off balance. This means sitting with your weight evenly distributed across both seat bones, with your back straight (not arched or slumped), and your hips open to allow your body to move fluidly with the horse.
The Mechanics of Sitting Deep
To truly understand the importance of sitting deep, let’s break down the physical mechanics involved:
Engaging the Seat Bones:
The seat bones (also called the ischial tuberosities) are the two bony protrusions at the bottom of your pelvis. When you sit deeply, you want to make sure these seat bones are securely resting in the saddle, acting as your foundation. This creates a solid connection between you and your horse, allowing you to move with them rather than against them.
It’s important to avoid gripping with your thighs or tensing your body. Instead, think about relaxing your legs and using the seat bones as your point of balance.
Pelvic Alignment:
A key part of sitting deep is pelvic alignment. If your pelvis is tipped too far forward (anterior pelvic tilt) or backward (posterior pelvic tilt), it can affect your balance and your ability to effectively communicate with your horse.
When you sit deep, your pelvis should be in a neutral position, allowing your hips to follow the movement of the horse's back. This helps you remain relaxed yet in control.
Use of the Core:
Sitting deep requires the engagement of your core muscles—specifically, the abdominal and lower back muscles. A strong core provides stability without stiffness, enabling you to absorb the horse’s movements and maintain a centered position.
Engaging your core also allows you to maintain good posture without leaning forward or slumping back, both of which can cause a disconnect between you and your horse.
Leg Position and Stability:
When sitting deep, your legs should drape naturally along the horse's sides, with your thighs and knees relaxed. The lower part of your leg (from the knee to the ankle) should make contact with the horse, allowing you to guide them through subtle shifts in weight.
A deep seat means your legs are in a position where they can provide support without excessive effort. If you're stiff or tense, it will be harder for you to maintain a deep seat and you may struggle to communicate your cues clearly.
The Science Behind Sitting Deep and What It Communicates to the Horse
When you sit deep in the saddle, you’re not just adjusting your own position for comfort or stability. This posture has a profound impact on how your horse perceives and responds to your cues. Horses are incredibly sensitive to shifts in weight and body position, and they rely on subtle cues from their rider to understand what’s being asked of them.
Balance and Connection
The deeper your seat, the more balanced you are in the saddle. This balance creates a stable base, allowing you to follow the horse’s movements with minimal effort. When you sit deep, the horse can feel that you are “with them” rather than leaning on them or working against them.
Connection to the Horse’s Back: Sitting deep means you are more in tune with the movement of the horse’s back. Whether you’re in a walk, trot, or canter, your body can follow the rhythm of the horse’s stride, allowing for a fluid, seamless partnership.
Absorption of Motion: A deep seat allows you to absorb the horse’s movements, using your legs and core to stay connected without being jolted or thrown out of balance. This prevents the rider from interfering with the horse's natural motion and helps prevent discomfort for both the rider and the horse.
Subtle Communication through Weight Shifts
In dressage, jumping, or any other form of riding, the ability to communicate with your horse through subtle shifts in weight and posture is crucial. When you sit deep, your position becomes a powerful form of non-verbal communication.
Forward or Backward Shift: When you slightly shift your weight forward, your horse interprets this as a cue to go forward. Similarly, if you shift your weight back, the horse understands that it’s time to slow down or stop. A deep seat allows for these shifts to be more precise and effective.
Side-to-Side Shifts: Sitting deep also enhances your ability to influence the horse laterally. Whether you’re guiding them in a circle or asking for a turn, your deep seat helps maintain balance while you shift your weight in the direction you wish to go.
Reducing Tension and Stress
Sitting deep also helps reduce unnecessary tension in your body. When you’re tense, your horse picks up on that stiffness and may become more tense or resistant. A deep seat encourages relaxation and fluidity, allowing for smoother transitions and a more harmonious relationship between horse and rider.
Why It’s Unnatural and Vital
Sitting deep in the saddle feels unnatural at first, especially for new riders or those who are used to riding in a more “perched” position. Many riders are accustomed to a more rigid seat, where their lower back is arched or they’re stiff in the hips. It takes time and practice to learn to relax into the saddle and engage the right muscles to maintain a deep seat.
But learning to sit deep is essential for several reasons:
Control: A deep seat provides greater control over your horse’s movements, especially in situations that require quick adjustments or subtle direction changes. Without it, you may struggle to effectively guide the horse.
Security: The deep seat helps you stay in the saddle, even in more challenging gaits or movements, such as galloping, jumping, or navigating rough terrain. It gives you a sense of security and helps prevent you from being bounced out of position.
Effective Communication: Sitting deep is the foundation of subtle communication with your horse. The ability to shift your weight and use your body to cue your horse relies on a deep, balanced seat. Without it, your cues can become confusing or ineffective.
The Key to Mastery and Harmony
At Texas Equine Education & Horsemanship, we emphasize the importance of learning to sit deep in the saddle. Although it may feel awkward at first, with practice, this position becomes second nature and unlocks the ability to communicate more effectively with your horse. Sitting deep isn’t just about stability—it’s about creating a harmonious partnership where your movements and cues are clear, fluid, and confident.
Remember, every rider’s journey is unique, and mastering the art of sitting deep takes time, patience, and consistent practice. But once you’ve integrated this skill into your riding, you’ll find that it becomes the cornerstone of better riding and a stronger connection with your horse.
So, the next time you saddle up, focus on sitting deep. Feel the connection, the stability, and the powerful communication it brings to your ride—and let the journey towards mastery begin.
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