Learn to Keep Those Hands Steady at Home

Stand behind a chair or high table in a riding position: knees

slightly bent at 90 to 100 degree angle, head up, back relaxed but

straight, and fingers resting on the chair or table at elbow height.

Now rise and fall as if you were posting. Concentrate on keeping your

hands motionless on the table.



Getting Some Wear and Tear?



If the inside of one leg is getting chaffed check that you are sitting

square in the saddle. Check that your stirrup leathers are the same

length. Compensate for differences in leg length with a shim in your

boot. Most people have one leg longer than the other affecting balance

in the saddle. Chaffing on both legs means your legs are swinging.

Practice keeping your lower leg still and wear riding pants with

leather knee patches or tall boots for extra grip.

Secure Your Seat



You may already be familiar with exercises in the saddle and you

should be able to do them at the trot. These are easiest and most

safely done on a longe line. Try reaching forward and touching your

horse's ears, turn and touch its tail, bend to touch each toe and ride

with your arms out spread eagle. The exercises encourage muscle tone

and balance.



It's Not About Strength



Don't try to pick yourself up with your upper body. Your shoulders

should stay relaxed. There shouldn't be a lot of brute strength

involved in posting. A few muscles might start complain and you could

get winded. Horseback riding is exercise. It may look like sitting,

but then so does bicycle riding. Think of the balance and effort it

takes to ride a bike. What would happen if you were to stop balancing

and pedaling?

Go With the Flow



Allow yourself to be lifted by the impulsion. Some beginners bend

forward. Your back should be almost vertical, with only your pelvic

bones making the up and forward arc