AMA: I Need To Improve My Half-Seat
I need help to improve my (nonexistent) half-seat. What should I be doing in and out of the saddle to get stronger?
The first step is realizing there’s an area in your riding that needs improvement, so pat yourself on the back for making it this far. Developing a strong half-seat or two-point position takes time, practice and strength. This isn’t something you’re going to improve overnight. So commit to making strides on this every ride.
There are plenty of strengthening exercises riders can do out of the saddle that will help. Planks and squats, for example, are great for this. Core strength is also imperative when developing a strong two-point position.
A lot of this strength will come from the work you do while riding, too. Trot and canter sets while maintaining a two-point position will help overtime. Start by doing a few laps or minutes at a time, and build up as you get stronger. For canter work, add it ground poles or cavalletti to help you maintain a more upright position (think: weight in your heels, engaging your core, bringing your belly button back to your spine but not sucking up, and keeping your hind end underneath you/in line with your hips).
Once you find you’ve developed enough strength to maintain a proper half-seat for several minutes at a time at both the trot and canter, it’s time to add in a new challenge – no stirrups. Start by building up your no-stirrup strength at a posting trot, and graduate to trying to hold a half-seat without stirrups. If you need some help, get a ground “spotter” or someone who can point out your weak areas as you get tired or crooked in the saddle. (A trainer is ideal for this.)
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