The object of attaining a good balance in the saddle or bareback is absolutely essential to be able to develop a stable proper seat, starting with a proper position. This way the rider does not feel the need to squeeze or brace the horse with their legs, to lean forward, cramp, in some case panic, grab and pull on the reins in attempt to re-situate any semblance of balance the rider thought he or she had. Destabilization of balance has mostly 2 outcomes in unbalanced novices or poor balanced riders. The first one is where the horse's mouth will suffer as the rider tries to regain balance via the reins instead of the seat and the second where the rider is no longer able to remain mounted and ends up as a victim to gravity on the way to add dirt to their diet. Riders need to become kings and queens in the saddle not awkward mounted creatures. Riding horses can be very rewarding and fun provided it is done with safety in mind. Balance is safety. 

 

Position = tools to learn to balance. Balance = Stability = Confidence = overall relaxation and quiet hands. The opposite is equally true. Poor Position = Poor Balance, Poor Stability = overall unnecessary tension and unsteady hands (leading to confusion and tension in the horse).

 

Benefits of a proper balance while riding:

 

1. A good solid position suited for the task. Proper balance allows the rider to avoid undesirable and potentially dangerous situations. The obvious one is where the rider parts from the horse in an involuntary and ungraceful manner. It will give the rider the ability to become much more in control of their body and mind. To keep the horse relaxed and focused mental state of mind. The ability to defuse a situation where the horse's confidence is being challenged without adding to the situation by tension on the part of the rider which would only enhance the horse’s response to escalate.

2. Increased stability promoting a proper independent seat. No more bouncing, hence added comfort while riding. Developing quiet hands. Preventing the horse to feel every single jolt of the bit in his mouth and therefore receiving a much better response with a more willing horse. The intention of reins was never there for the rider to hold on to for balance. Reins are merely intended as a mean to communicate, to be used to confirm a request from the rider. As a teacher uses chalk on a blackboard to convey information to the student, the rider uses the reins to convey information to the horse.

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