Seat aids...

[Sarah1]

Hi all

Please could someone explain how to use my seat correctly in walk, trot & canter? I've been told that I'm 'rocking' my seat in walk as opposed to using my seat bones individualy in time with my horses steps, thus resulting in me actually slowing my horse down even tho I'm trying to encourage him to walk quicker?!
I've ridden for a lot of years (albeit with a long break) but I feel like I'm having to learn to ride all over again as when I had my old pony we just jumped on & off we went to have fun, there was no thought of outline etc.

Thanks

 

[scrumpygus]

http://www.classicaldressage.co.uk/html/the_seat.html

Have a look at this link x

 

[Dopeonarope]

Yep, I had the same problem (an suppose still have it to a certain extend). Basically, you upper body is swinging too much and then you get the effect of travelling mass - a bit like those little toy cars with a swinging disk inside to wind it up ... just the other way really ... sorry if that doesn't make much sense.
Anyway, the way my instructor told me to work on it is to relax and sit as still as possible. It does help if the horse is nice and forward, so you don't feel that you have to push it on with your seat ...
If you are not dressagy a good example for a quiet seat is the young Whittaker chap (can't remember his name). He rode absolutely beautifully at Hickstead!