Sitting vs 'standing around the horse' awareness

What It Does

Distinguishes between load transfer through the seat bones — which is sitting — and load transfer through the stirrups and inner thigh brace — which is the standing-around-the-horse pattern. Most riders who think they are sitting are doing the second.

What to Feel

Weight dropping through the seat into the saddle when sitting. Pressure increasing through the feet when pushing. The switch between the two patterns.

Common Mistakes

• Thinking the stirrups need to carry substantial weight to feel secure.
• Pushing down to feel 'sitting' rather than releasing upward into the horse.
• Not noticing when the pattern shifts back — it usually happens under load.