Landing in the back of the saddle

[hApPiNeSs]

Watching my shadow on the ground yesterday, I noticed that in trot, I sit too far back on the saddle. This has the effect of driving the saddle forward which cant be very nice to Happy!!! :eek: My legs have also started wobbling again. Does anyone have any tips on how to land 'not so far back' :o in the saddle?

[Nikki_biscuit]

try and imagine as you sit you tuck your bottom underneath yourself. you should do this when you ride anyway as it makes you sit on your seat bones. or maybe you could try tying a jumper or something round you waist so that when you ride it sitts just behind your bottom and then when you re trotting try not to sit on it. if that makes sense :o :) also try to keep your heels underneath your hips all the time when you ride as this should help stop your lower leg being too far forward, which would make you sit too far back anyway. imagine you are standing up with your horse between your legs not sitting back like in an armchair. good luck, hope that helps :D

[hApPiNeSs]

Thankyou :D I will try the jumper thing

[casey]

Unfortunately sitting too far back does create the 'driving effect'. That in itself, causes loads of problems. ie, hollowing, rushing etc. So it's a catch 22.
Are you closing your knees? If you open your hips, and dont grip with the knees, it should be easier to sit to the front.
Lots of legs away, and knee raises to regain your seat bones. :)

[3 day eventer]

casey is absolutely right!
also when you put your heels down this should automatically put your leg in the correct position.
You should fret too much about your position as this can affect your riding, when you are worrying too much about your own position you affect on the horse lessens and your riding may worsen i know this sounds silly but it is true!
Concentrate on riding your horse i the correct way and the position should come with it. Do what feels right not what your shadow may make look right! :)

[3 day eventer]

Also try rising canter this helps wonders with strengthening your muscles and will help you to achieve a more accurate positiion. It does make you ache at first and is hard work but it does help! :D