Have you ever studied how a horse truly moves? The rhythm of their feet, theflowing motion and that unmistakable impression they give of floating across the ground asthey cover distances with ease. Indeed their hooves seem to spend far more time off theground than on it.It’s interesting to note then, that when getting people on their own two feet and askingthem to demonstrate what they do when riding a horse, how many people ride their horsesdown.

If you watch a horse running, you’ll notice they leave the impression of their feet hardlytouching the ground. They are so light on their feet; their natural movement and impetuslifts and elevates them. For example, the canter is a three beat gait; 3 beats followed by amoment of suspension. When the last foot hits the ground, it pushes the horses up and offthe ground for a moment before he lands and the cycle begins again. If we are in time withour horse when we ride, our motion will be the same.

Think about your seat and what kind of impact you make as you ride. Do youland heavily, coming down with each trot and canter step, or are you going with your horse,lifting and elevating.

An independent seat means far more than just staying on your horse. Learn to feel his feet;get in time and rhythm with his motion; enhance his natural movement rather than inhibit it.Move together and create synergy.

Read more Road To Horsemanshiparticles.

This is the last of the Road To Horsemanship Series. To find out more and advance yourskills visit QuantumSavvy

Follow us on Facebook.

Comment on this article using the Comment Function below. Discuss this article with otherusers on the Horse Forums.