When riders and trainers think of the training scale, the traditional progression often comes to mind: rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. But what if the actual foundation is missing? What if the key to unlocking all these elements isn’t even explicitly on the scale? That key is balance.
Why Balance is the True Starting Point
Balance is often treated as a byproduct of training rather than its foundation. Yet, without balance, neither horse nor rider can achieve harmony. For the rider, balance isn’t just about staying centred in the saddle—it’s about developing awareness, alignment, and coordination to influence the horse effectively. Without this, the rhythm becomes inconsistent, contact uneven, and collection impossible.
In short, balance is the thread that ties the training scale together. It’s the first thing judges notice, the core of rider biomechanics, and the secret to creating an effortless and effective horse-and-rider partnership.
How Rider Imbalance Affects the Horse
Rider imbalance can disrupt even the most willing horse. A crooked seat, uneven weight distribution, or unstable hands can:
Throw the horse off rhythm.
Cause tension, making suppleness unattainable.
This leads to uneven contact, creating frustration for the horse.
Block impulsion by restricting the horse’s natural movement.
Prevent straightness by unconsciously pushing the horse off-centre.
If the rider’s balance is compromised, the entire training scale unravels.
The Biomechanics of Balance
Rider balance begins with understanding biomechanics—how the human body moves and aligns in the saddle. Key elements include:
Neutral Pelvis: The foundation of a balanced seat, allowing the rider to move with the horse.
Strength and Suppleness in the body: A strong yet supple body that provides stability without stiffness.
Independent Aids: The ability to use legs, seat, and hands independently and harmoniously.
The rider’s signals become unclear without these components, and the horse’s performance suffers.
Redefining the Training Scale: Balance at the Base
Imagine a pyramid with balance as its base. When riders are balanced, a rhythm emerges naturally. Suppleness becomes attainable because the horse feels supported. Contact develops evenly, and the impulsion flows freely. Straightness becomes a logical next step, leading to a collection that feels effortless rather than forced.
Reframing the training scale shifts the focus from what the horse needs to what the rider must provide first.
Practical Steps to Improve Rider Balance
Video Analysis: Film yourself riding to identify asymmetries or habits that might throw you off balance.
Work on the Ground: Strength exercises, yoga, or Pilates can enhance your body awareness and stability (join my weekly classes for help).
Use Feedback Tools: Tools like my horse simulator or balance boards can help refine your alignment and aids.
Seek Expert Guidance: A biomechanics-focused instructor can pinpoint areas for improvement and offer targeted solutions.
Why Balance Matters to Judges
Judges look for harmony between horse and rider. A balanced rider enables the horse to move freely and express its potential. In tests, imbalance shows up in inconsistent movements, lack of precision, and tension—all things that cost valuable points. By prioritising balance, riders can present their horses at their best and achieve higher scores.
The Balance Transformation
When riders master balance, the transformation is undeniable. They:
Communicate with clarity, creating a more willing and relaxed horse.
Feel more confident and in control, even during challenging movements.
Achieve a deeper connection with their horse, making riding a true partnership.
Balance isn’t just an element of riding—it’s the element that makes everything else possible. By prioritizing balance, riders unlock the full potential of the training scale and elevate their performance in ways they never imagined. Whether you’re a trainer, instructor, or rider, mastering balance isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Ready to take your balance to the next level?
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