Debbie Sams: Plugged In at Canter, Plugged In at Lope

Part 19 in the “Deep Seat” series

Plugged in at Canter, Plugged in at Lope

Seat Connection

Problem: Leaning forward or backward

Leaning forward or backward works against the horse and unplugs the seat bones. Leaning forward causes you to bounce. Leaning backward will cause you to be left behind and off balance. If you are in two-point position, this deep-seat discussion is not relevant.

Solution

Tuck seat: The most important aspect to consider when striving for a deep seat is that the seat tucks as the outside hind pushes off (Illus. 45).

Thinking about sucking the abdomen in or pulling the navel to the spine can be very helpful (Illus. 11 and 12).

The upper body should remain tall. Imagining that you are a Barbie doll who is hinged at the waist can be useful when riding the canter (Illus. 15 and 16).

Once the seat is plugged in, the hands must learn to follow the horse’s head. Your hands will move forward as your seat tucks (Illus. 45).

Final words
The true deep seat is the foundation of all riding. Establishing this deep foundation is essential no matter what type of riding you do. It teaches you to move in sync with the horse rather than against the horse.

Read Part 1 (Sticking to Your Horse with a Deep Seat) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 2 (Deep Seat versus Light Seat) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 3 (Deep Seat Problem and Solution) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 4 (Arched Back — Problems and Solutions) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 5 (Torso Leaning Forward — Collapsed Chest) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 6 (Rounded Shoulders, Collapsed Chest) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 7 (Knees and Heels Creeping Up) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 8 (Toes and Knees Turned Out) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 9 (Gripping with Knees) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 10 (Behind the Motion) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 11 (Heels Up) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 12 (Looking Down) in the "Deep Seat" series

Read Part 13 (Collapsing Hip) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 14 (Twisting) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 15 (Not Using Shock Aborbers) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 16 (Getting Plugged In) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 17 (Being Plugged In on a Turn) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 18 (Plugged in at the Walk, Plugged in at the Trot) 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.