Question:
Critict my position please?
Stella
2012-11-27 14:31:34 UTC
I know there are many questions like these here, specially since i only have photos, but i was hoping i can get some critics on my position, or anything you may see that i should fix. Thank you so much.

(These are the "newest photos i have, though it was over the summer)

Also sorry for the weird faces i make :)

http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/100E3218.jpg
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/100_3217.jpg
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/100_3223.jpg
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/100_3224.jpg
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/100_3229.jpg
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/100_3230.jpg
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/100_3236.jpg


Thank you.
Eight answers:
zephania666
2012-11-27 16:13:13 UTC
Not bad, really.



Lower your stirrups a hole or two. They're too short, so your knees are too bent and you're sitting too far back on the saddle and too far back on your pockets.



Your saddle may be too small for you as well - but lengthening the stirrups may be enough.



Ideally, one would want to have a straight vertical line run through your ears, down your back, through your hip, and then down through your heel. In your picture, you can draw a vertical line and see what's out of place quite easily.



With longer stirrups, it will be easier to get in this proper position. Right now your feet are too far in front of you and your butt is too far behind you. Chair seat style. With longer stirrups, your weight will be less on your rear and more on your upper thighs, bringing your rear end forward and allowing your legs to easily move back into the correct position.



Another thing you can try to find the correct leg position: stand up in your stirrups and get yourself balanced, just as if you were standing on the ground. Then sit down without moving your feet. This is the correct position, with your feet positioned to support your weight without moving. Try standing, getting balance, and sitting several times, till you get a feel for the correct position. Then try it at the walk. Remember you can always stand, check your position, and reseat yourself if you feel like you're getting out of whack.



Being open to constructive criticism is the best thing you can do - I applaud your for it!



Good Luck.





Edit: Here's a picture showing the vertical line I'm referring to -



http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=HcW&sa=X&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=fflb&biw=1025&bih=498&tbm=isch&tbnid=CURRvOrwVu3l5M:&imgrefurl=http://regaljada.tripod.com/saddleseatequitation/id21.html&docid=77oACbSPyGySUM&imgurl=http://regaljada.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/goodposition.jpg&w=220&h=303&ei=ZVe1UPK9FpSI8QT7-oA4&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=168&vpy=143&dur=1306&hovh=242&hovw=176&tx=86&ty=153&sig=117447958458196474534&page=1&tbnh=161&tbnw=117&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0,i:105



That pic is for English, but it's the same as Western, like this pic:



http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=BJr&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=fflb&biw=1025&bih=498&tbm=isch&tbnid=NRE4bpAp-s1mmM:&imgrefurl=http://www.gaitedhorses.net/Articles/Equitation/GHEquitation.shtml&docid=znZVQ7itS3Np6M&imgurl=http://www.gaitedhorses.net/Articles/Equitation/images/straightwestern2.jpg&w=300&h=243&ei=yFe1UIbTBouk8AT2-4Ag&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=129&vpy=132&dur=3511&hovh=194&hovw=240&tx=148&ty=105&sig=117447958458196474534&page=7&tbnh=138&tbnw=190&start=93&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:99,s:0,i:384



And of course, this position is for the walk; when the horse is moving at different gaits you want your upper body to move a little, but your legs and seat would stay the same.
Snezzy
2012-11-27 22:52:05 UTC
Critique (not "critic") of your position:

1. Rounded back.

2. Stirrups too short?

3. Chair seat.

4. Knees not close enough to the saddle.



To correct these faults, try to grab your thigh muscle with your hand and pull it out so that there is more room for your knees to get closer to the saddle. Then bring your shoulders up, back, and down.



With longer stirrups and those exercises you should be able to sit further forward and have the picture show the straight lines your instructors ask for.



These are difficult faults to correct, so do not expect instant results, and do not give up.
Huntr Jumpr
2012-11-27 22:44:25 UTC
I'd say to straighten your back a bit- no slouchy! :D Slouching looks sloppy and overall makes your position not look as sharp! You could also try picking your hands up and don't forget about those heels! The western saddle may have more cushion than an english, but it's those heels and legs that keep you in the saddle.
Lilian
2012-11-27 23:54:08 UTC
On the second picture your stirrups are not under your hips. You could slid the stirrup leathers back farther on the tree and if your feet were under your hips you could ride easier.



Pretty mare, nice to see you riding with a slack rein.
redheaded
2012-11-28 12:57:13 UTC
Sit on your seat bones, not the back of your butt. Lift up your chest but keep your seat bones in the saddle, that will probably help to get your feet back under you better. Toes forward.
?
2012-11-27 22:41:44 UTC
If you're riding in jeans make sure they're very flexible and comfy, if they aren't ride in tack suit pants or something.



Put your shoulders back more and keep your heels down. I don't know much about stock/western riding so I can't tell you much
ssllp
2012-11-27 22:35:27 UTC
Lean forward a little bit more.
Sophia
2012-11-28 02:17:13 UTC
looks basically good to me (i dont ride western)

your stirrups look short though


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