Monday, April 30, 2012

Debbie Sams: Deep Seat versus Light Seat

Part 2 in the "Deep Seat" series

The deep seat can be defined as sitting in the center of the saddle with both seat bones firmly connected to the saddle. The pelvis moves with the motion of the horse. The seat is tucked deep into the saddle, and the back is flat, with a slight curve, while the abdomen is upright (Illus. 5).

Illus. 5

On the other hand the light seat touches the saddle, but the seat bones are not connected, and there is more of an arch in the back (Illus. 6). The shoulders are also slightly forward. This seat is commonly used for jumping, hunt seat, and the hand gallop.

Illus. 6


Read Part 1 (Sticking to Your Horse with a Deep Seat) in the "Deep Seat" series

Debbie Sams teaches English and Western riding with an emphasis on dressage. At her Springer's Stables in Broadalbin, New York, she also teaches drill team and vaulting. Her farm gives pony parties and holds horse camps for scouts and local community college and elementary school youth programs, as well as for the Sacandaga Bible Conference and Retreat Center. Debbie has been teaching drama and drill team on horseback since 1979; in 1985 she became a Certified Horsemanship Association Instructor. She is the author of 101 Drill Team Exercises and has also put her horse knowledge to work in writing for such publications as Practical Horseman, Equus, and the Northeast Horseman’s Journal.

LinkWithin