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Hip Angle on a Horse That is Naturally Downhill

Panel Expert: Bernie Traurig

Submitted by member: Sophie

I have a question about rider’s position in regards to conformation of the horse. I ride jumpers and I have a 16 hand gelding who is down hill naturally and his neck ties in rather low to his shoulder. I am finding it difficult to position myself correctly with my upper body and hands. Do I sit taller and a bit more centered with my hands, at what would be a normal height for me, attempting to make him lift up to me, or should I accommodate his short low neck and reach my upper body a bit more forward and lower my hands closer to the sides of his neck? I feel as though when I sit up and lift, he re-balances himself and is able to lift up front, creating a better feeling of him being uphill versus having lower hands and a smaller hip angle, which at times makes me feel as though he is on the forehand… although he does seem to travel quieter this way, perhaps because he isn’t working as hard to carry himself?

Answer by Bernie

Sophie I think what you are feeling when you say you “sit up and lift you hands a bit” is on the right track. If his conformation already puts him a bit on his forehand you need to compensate with your position somewhat to enhance his balance. While jumping I would avoid a too forward half seat. Keep your hip angle a little more open than normal and “sink” down a little closer to the saddle in a light seat. You say he travels quieter when you are not sitting, so the light seat is a nice in between over jumps. We have several topics on how and why to vary your hip angle on the flat and over jumps on EquestrianCoach.com that you may find helpful.

Click here to view the video topic: Building Blocks to a Great Position Part 3
Click here to view the video topic:
Building Blocks to a Great Position Part 5

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Bernie Traurig

As a Horseman, Bernie is renowned for not only his riding talents but for his teaching and coaching gifts. As a competitor, Bernie has represented the United States Equestrian Team both at home and abroad on many occasions and reached the top of the sport in all 3 of the International Equestrian Olympic disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing.After amassing 60 years worth of training and riding techniques and experiences with thousands of horses, Bernie is driven to give back to the sport that has given him so much fulfillment and success.

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