Keeping a good seat in a slippy saddle on a stubborn, lazy horse?!

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petra_styles

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Hello All,

I ride an ex-eventer who is especially stubborn and very lazy. When one gets him working, he works beautifully, but getting there can be really hard!
I have to ride with lots of leg, but what doesn't help, is I find myself slipping around all over the place and losing my stirrups! I just can't seem to keep a consistent seat!
I think this is how he manages to take advantage of me, sticking his nose in the air and breaking the pace.

I wonder if anyone might advise on how I can keep a good, deep seat (and my stirrups!) whilst keeping him moving?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
 
he sounds absolutely bone idle, poor you!
first, Kerrits full-seat breeches. Seriously sticky, absolutely brilliant, not expensive. you can get them direct from www.kerrits.com, or from Three Lows Saddlery. I love the Channel Rib Flex Tights, or otherwise the Sit Tight Supremes are the mega-stickiest of them all, but the fabric's slightly weird (almost like jockey breeches stuff) so not for everyone.
maybe the saddle's too big for you, which could be why you're sliding around? if so a seat saver should help.
Then, as long as he's not whip-shy, i'd carry two long schooling whips, and teach him that a light leg aid means GO and he is NOT allowed to ignore it (this is for safety's sake too... e.g. out hacking he must listen to you on the roads for you both to be safe!) when you say GO (and back up with a proper sharp flick of whip behind leg if he doesn't react immediately!) you MUST not hold at all in front, grab mane if necessary but not reins! it has to be 100% forwards with nothing to dissuade him from reacting totally to the leg. loads of praise when he reacts immediately, obv.
good luck!
 
Thanks for your advice, everyone :)

I now look to invest in some lunge lessons (something I haven't done for years!), one of those seat savers (which I must admit look super comfy, too!) and some Kerrits!
 
I have a suede covered memory foam seat saver that is brilliant as it makes the saddle 'fit you' and doesn't stick you madly so you can still shift weight easily, love it.
 
I used to have a similar problem - but ONLY in one saddle - My OH had an ancient, slippery Stubben, that was far too big for me. HATED that thing! OH didn't have the same problem, so it might be the saddle size too.

I like HKM breeches with the full suede seat - very grippy.
 
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