Problem Pathway

Not finding your seat bones clearly

You are not missing strength. You are missing clear left-right seatbone organisation under load.

What You Are Seeing

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

Current pattern

  • The rider cannot clearly access both sides of the pelvis.
  • Load is being managed asymmetrically.
  • One side accepts load more easily.
  • The other side is less connected or bracing.
  • The pelvis is not moving evenly.
  • The system lacks clear left-right organisation.
What It Might Mean

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

Common drivers

  • Limited awareness of seatbone position.
  • Habitual asymmetry in how load is managed.
  • One hip more dominant in accepting load.
  • The other hip avoids or braces.
  • Rider relies on legs or upper body instead of pelvis.
  • Lack of control between left and right sides.
Assessment

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

What to look for

  • On-horse: rider appears inconsistent in the saddle.
  • On-horse: one side of the seat is more dominant.
  • On-horse: difficulty staying centred.
  • On-horse: subtle drift or collapse to one side.
  • On-horse: leg position may differ side to side.
  • On-horse: contact may feel uneven.
  • Simulator left/right balance line: weight sits consistently to one side of centre.
  • Simulator left/right balance line: does not oscillate evenly.
  • Simulator movement pattern: one side shows larger movement than the other.
  • Simulator movement pattern: one side smooth and consistent, the other flat or wiggly.
  • Simulator movement pattern: one side reduced or broken in movement.
  • Off-horse check (sit on bench): no clear sense of evenness.
  • Off-horse check (sit on hands): one seatbone heavier or harder to feel.
  • Off-horse check (walk seatbones): one side harder to access, uneven movement.
Off-Horse Assessment

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

Confirm transfer

  • On horse: can the rider identify both seatbones in halt?
  • On horse: is weight more even at walk?
  • On horse: does the rider stay more centred without correcting?
  • Simulator: balance line closer to centre.
  • Simulator: more even oscillation left to right.
  • Simulator: more consistent, symmetrical movement patterns.
Off-Horse Exercises

Seatbone Awareness (Starter)

How to begin

  • Sit on hands.
  • Compare both seatbones.
  • Identify which side is clearer.
  • Identify which side is heavier or harder to feel.
Simulator Assessment

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

What to look for

  • On-horse: rider appears inconsistent in the saddle.
  • On-horse: one side of the seat is more dominant.
  • On-horse: difficulty staying centred.
  • On-horse: subtle drift or collapse to one side.
  • On-horse: leg position may differ side to side.
  • On-horse: contact may feel uneven.
  • Simulator left/right balance line: weight sits consistently to one side of centre.
  • Simulator left/right balance line: does not oscillate evenly.
  • Simulator movement pattern: one side shows larger movement than the other.
  • Simulator movement pattern: one side smooth and consistent, the other flat or wiggly.
  • Simulator movement pattern: one side reduced or broken in movement.
  • Off-horse check (sit on bench): no clear sense of evenness.
  • Off-horse check (sit on hands): one seatbone heavier or harder to feel.
  • Off-horse check (walk seatbones): one side harder to access, uneven movement.
Simulator Exercises

Seatbone Awareness (Starter)

How to begin

  • Sit on hands.
  • Compare both seatbones.
  • Identify which side is clearer.
  • Identify which side is heavier or harder to feel.
Reassessment

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

Expected changes

  • Improves awareness of both sides of the pelvis.
  • Allows clearer access to each seatbone.
  • Begins to rebalance how load is managed.
  • Reduces reliance on compensations (legs and upper body).
  • Creates a base for controlled pelvic movement.
On-Horse Transfer

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

Confirm transfer

  • On horse: can the rider identify both seatbones in halt?
  • On horse: is weight more even at walk?
  • On horse: does the rider stay more centred without correcting?
  • Simulator: balance line closer to centre.
  • Simulator: more even oscillation left to right.
  • Simulator: more consistent, symmetrical movement patterns.
Success Markers

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

Look for this feel

  • Clearer contact with both seatbones.
  • Less confusion about where weight is sitting.
  • More even pressure side to side.
  • Less need to adjust or search for position.
  • A more stable, centred feeling.
Commonly Linked Patterns

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

Related Exercises

This section is being expanded as part of the standard One Problem = One Pathway structure.

Progression path

  • Seatbone awareness to clear identification.
  • Add pelvic rock to introduce movement.
  • Walking seatbones to develop control.
  • Reduce upper body compensation.
  • Progress to floor work.
  • Transfer to riding: walk, then transitions, then lateral work.

Pelvis & Seat Organisation

What to look for as a coach

  • Has the rider become more stable under movement?
  • Is coordination clearer and more repeatable?
  • Can they influence the horse more effectively?
  • Does the improvement transfer back to ridden work?

The visible symptom is often only part of the story. Use the pathway to find the underlying organisation pattern, not just the surface fix.

Related Problems

Start connected, not linear

Key takeaway

Clear seatbone awareness first. Even loading and controlled pelvic movement can then transfer into riding.