Introduction to Saddle Seat Riding
by Joanne MacBride

The saddle seat riding position in a cutback flat saddle has been designed to take advantage of the naturally high head carriage of the saddle seat horse. The bridle used is a Weymouth (double) bridle which employs two bits - a bradoon (a small fine snaffle) and a curb (commonly with a seven inch shank). Pelham bits may be used in Pleasure Equitation classes.

Saddle seat riding begins with a balanced and centered seat, sitting in the deepest part of the saddle. Your seat should be squarely under you, with your weight distributed through your seat, down through the inner part of the thighs and through the heel. The heel of the foot should be down and outward, which puts the knee and thigh in a close and comfortable contact with the saddle. The heel should be lower than the toe. The foot position should be almost directly below the hip joint.

To obtain the proper position, the rider should place herself comfortably in the saddle and find her center of gravity by sitting with a slight bend of the knees without the use of irons. While in this position, the leathers can be adjusted to fit. Irons should be placed under the ball of the foot with even pressure on the entire width of the sole and center of the iron. The foot should be in a natural position, being neither extremely in or out from the horse's barrel. The stirrup irons should be just below the ankle bone when the rider's foot is out of the stirrup and the leg is hanging naturally against the side of the horse. Holding the stirrup at about a 15 degree angle and having the rider place her foot in the stirrup, will help her to attain the proper leg position.

To obtain proper position, the rider's hands should be held in an easy position, neither horizontal nor perpendicular to the saddle. Hands should show adaptability, control and sympathy. The height that the hands are held above the horse's withers depends on how and where the horse carries his head. The manner in which the reins are held is optional, however, both hands must be used. All reins must be picked up at one time. The bight of the reins should be placed on the off side.

To encourage proper position of the torso, keep the rib cage high. It is both permissable and sometimes desirable for the lower arm to be carried up from the elbow to the wrist so that the hand is higher than the elbow. Hands should be held about two to four inches apart and showing a slight angulation of the thumbs towards each other (in an upside down "V" position). The backs of the hands should not be horizontal to the ground; nor should the thumbs point straight up. The wrists should be relaxed; and the hands turned slightly.

A saddle seat rider's performance should be smooth and polished. At the walk. there is slight motion in the saddle. At the trot, there is slight elevation in the saddle while posting. Hips are under the body; and not mechanical up-and-down nor swinging forward and backward. The canter is a close seat, going with the horse with a "polishing the saddle" effect. While riding the slow gait, the rider should be steady in the saddle with legs straight down. Hands may be slightly raised. The rack is hidden with a smooth seat, legs down and slightly back, with hands low and in motion with the gait. For Morgan, Arabian and most American Saddlebred classes, only walk, trot and canter gaits are required. Some American Saddlebred classes also call for the slow gait and rack, making these five-gaited classes. Riders should convey the impression of effective and easy control; and show the horse to his best advantage. A complete picture of the whole is of great importance.

The rider's informal attire consists of conservative colours (i.e. herringbone, pinstripes and other combinations of colours that appear solid). Solid colours of saddlesuits include: black, blue, gray, dark-green, beige, brown, dark burgundy jacket with matching jodphurs; derby or soft hat or protective head gear; and jodphur boots. If vests are worn, they may be a different colour than the coat and jodphurs. In American Saddlebred Pleasure Equitation classes only informal dress is permitted, day or night.

Even more conservative attire is required for evening classes. Solid colours include black, dark-blue, dark-brown or dark-gray tuxedo-type jacket with lapels and collars of the same colour, top-hat, jodphurs to match and gloves, or dark-coloured riding habit, jodphur boots and accessories. Formal riding attire is not to be worn before 6:00 P.M; and is not mandatory after 6:00 P.M. Whips, crops and spurs of the unrowelled-type are optional.

The overall picture of saddle seat horses and riders should be pleasing to the eye. Their performance should be elegant and polished, displaying beauty and symmetry, collection and excellent control.

REFERENCES

American Horse Shows Association, Inc. Rule Book. Equitation Division (1998-99)

Canadian Equestrian Federation. Rule Book. Section F, Equitation (1998)

Ontario Equestrian Federation, Manual for Saddle Seat Instructors, Level 1 (1997)