When you ride, you must ride with the correct form and position. One of the most important in English riding is to demonstrate good posture and physique.
One of the many key things to do in the saddle is to keep your HEELS DOWN, with your toes pointed up (think of a string attached to your toes, pulling them upward). Another important factor is to keep your chin up and your eyes forward at all times, especially when you are going over a jump. Keep your chest out and open, and make sure your shoulders are level and rolled back. Keep your elbows close to your sides, and hold your reins apart about the length of a dollar bill. Make sure to keep your legs on the horses' side, but make sure you don't grip with your knee. The most important thing is to look confident, and in sync with your horse.
Although all elements of English riding have slightly different styles of proper physique, a few important skills are normally required. For example, if you are planning on jumping your horse, a two-point will be necessary to master. A two point is simply bending forward at the waist, with your heels firmly down in the stirrups, and your arms should be loose and relaxed, but close to your sides. While in a two-point, your hands should be settled on your horse's neck, and if you are an inexperienced rider, it is not unwise to grab a handful of your horse's mane to keep your hands in the correct position. A two-point serves many purposes, including reducing the strain on your horse as they are going over and landing after a jump.
One of the many key things to do in the saddle is to keep your HEELS DOWN, with your toes pointed up (think of a string attached to your toes, pulling them upward). Another important factor is to keep your chin up and your eyes forward at all times, especially when you are going over a jump. Keep your chest out and open, and make sure your shoulders are level and rolled back. Keep your elbows close to your sides, and hold your reins apart about the length of a dollar bill. Make sure to keep your legs on the horses' side, but make sure you don't grip with your knee. The most important thing is to look confident, and in sync with your horse.
Although all elements of English riding have slightly different styles of proper physique, a few important skills are normally required. For example, if you are planning on jumping your horse, a two-point will be necessary to master. A two point is simply bending forward at the waist, with your heels firmly down in the stirrups, and your arms should be loose and relaxed, but close to your sides. While in a two-point, your hands should be settled on your horse's neck, and if you are an inexperienced rider, it is not unwise to grab a handful of your horse's mane to keep your hands in the correct position. A two-point serves many purposes, including reducing the strain on your horse as they are going over and landing after a jump.
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Images from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gallop_animated.gif and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/03/queen-horse-riding_n_1181586.html and http://www.2und40.net/post/89833527000/horseshoesnhoofbeats-two-point-devon-horse