Learning to ride includes the use of your whole body. It is not enough to sit in the correct position on a standing horse. You need to practice the use of your body as the horse moves. The use of video equipment can be very useful when teaching and evaluating riding position.

No matter what your style or riding is, having a good, balanced position is important. Most positional problems have their beginnings with bad habits. Develop the following good habits and you will ride ina desireable position.

As a rider, there are four joints that are important in absorbing the horse's motion. The ankle (between the foot and lower leg), the knee (between the thigh and lower leg), the hips (between the thigh and upper body) and the elbow (between the forearm and upper arm).

Riding exercises can loosen up the rider and will increase flexibility, confidence and suppleness. They will also help your horse to become more aware of you and how you move in the saddle.