Sitting or light seat into a fence?

[EventingMum]

There are so many variables to consider. The horse's experience, way of going, whether you're show jumping or going xc and the type of fence and terrain all play a part. A forward going horse with a consistent stride may benefit from the rider being in a light seat, with a horse with a tendency to go on the forehand it may benefit the rider to sit up more and use their seat. In a jump off riders will usually be in a light seat but may sit up to make tight turns. When XC going up hill you would want to be off the horses back, approaching a tricky fence - skinny, drop, bounce. angled fence etc you'd probably want to sit up. Combination fences where you want a "coffin" canter (short and bouncy) sitting up is better. Riding forward to a straight forward "power" fence staying in a light seat allows the horse to keep moving forward and not lose it's rhythm or waste time. On top of all these factors horses will often show a preference to how the rider sits. Established riders will tend to train their horses to go with them sitting in their preferred position but there is generally a contrast in style depending where the rider is from, American riders often ride in a more forward position compared to riders over here but then there are always exceptions!

 

[scats]

I was a decent junior SJ. It was generally bums in the saddle in those days on the circuit. Very few people adopted a light seat (at least in juniors).

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I sit on approach, was taught to sit quietly, correct if needs be but always heels down as the fence should never see anything but the soles and heels of your boots

 

[Nocturnal]

I grew up on an event yard so was taught to maintain a light seat all the way round. As I grew older and had trainers telling me to sit down on the approach to a fence it was quite an adjustment

The plus side is that my light seat is now indisruptable , but I still am not 100% comfortable sitting to approach a fence.

 

[JGC]

I used to sit to a fence, but having moved to France was retaught to approach on a light seat - you don't see a lot of French riders sitting even at the top levels. Perhaps also because of the predominance of Selle Français horses who maybe got better with that type of riding?