How do I know when I'm sat straight??

[chickeninabun]

I had a lesson with a friend on saturday and amongst the other various things that I do wrong (hands too low, toes sticking out, legs forward) the main thing I was struggling with was sitting facing straight forward!! She kept saying "outside shoulder forward" and when I did it she said I was sat straight but I felt really cock-eyed!! How can I be so wonky and not realise!!

My main problem is, things like hands and toes, I can see so can remember to keep correcting them, but my posture is really hard for me to see/know when it's wrong. Is there anything I can do to make me sit straight and how do I practise it at home on my own with no-one watches!

 

[Kenzo]

No stirrups, that will work on your seat and balance, then everything else will fall into place.

 

[251libby]

Echo kenzo.
I used to sit lop sided and the only way I got over it was to have someone riding behind me and keep nagging as well as conciously thinking of it

 

[Oldred]

I write up a blog on my struggle with this problem (www.theperfectseat.co.uk) which might help. Not selling anything, just info with some details of sites and ideas that were helpful to me.

 

[chickeninabun]

Oooo! Yikes! No stirrups sounds awfully scary now I'm not a child anymore! Might try in walk, on a lunge first!!
That Blog looks excellent oldred! Thanks! I will have an indepth read of it tonight and add it to my internet favourites. Thanks! x

 

[Chico Mio]

I'm totally lopsided. Mainly due to terrible 'trail riding' posture - slumped to the right and reins in one hand for years

I had osteo treatment on my pelvis to straighten out the worst of my actual phsyical issues. Now I have a new, relatively green horse I am doing all I can to try and get a good seat and balance so I don't mess him up. I will read your blog with close attention oldred.