The “Sitting” Position
Mastering the art of sitting a horse in dressage requires more than just sitting in the saddle. It demands a deep understanding of balance, alignment, and creating a harmonious connection with your equine partner. One crucial aspect of achieving this connection is the concept of hovering – allowing your pelvis to float above the saddle as if the horse is not even there. To achieve this elusive hover, it is essential to ensure that your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned properly. Your feet should be positioned directly underneath your hips, and the balls of your feet should bear the majority of your weight. This positioning lets your legs act as shock absorbers, effectively accommodating the horse's movements. Simultaneously, your rib cage lifts slightly, supporting the weight of your upper body and facilitating the floating sensation in your pelvis. Imagine for a moment that your feet are positioned in front of you. In this scenario, you would inevitably fall back in the saddle, disrupting your alignment and throwing off your balance. Conversely, if your feet were too far behind you, you would continuously fall forward, disrupting the desired hover and compromising your stability. Finding the perfect alignment is paramount – it allows you to establish a stable and secure position that makes you virtually oblivious to the presence of the horse beneath you. This state of stability and lightness is at the core of dressage, where subtle communication and unity between horse and rider are cherished. The next time you find yourself in the saddle, consciously seek that perfect alignment, allowing your pelvis to hover and float. Embrace the feeling of weightlessness and discover how it transforms your riding and deepens your connection with your horse. Remember, dressage is an art that requires precision, finesse, and a profound understanding of the subtle dance between horse and rider. Embrace the hover and let your pelvis guide you toward a more harmonious ride. Remember, to create the illusion of stillness, you must move with a moving object, with your pelvis being the key point of movement. So, keep your pelvis light and moving.
Comments