Equitation Essentials - The Hows and Whys of a Winning Riding Position

in the dirt that you do want your horse to travel over. If youre riding a curve turn your head to follow the curve.
In between plotting your destination dots expand your gaze to locate a destination further along the next jump around the corner or for reiners the arena centre. Big eyes anticipate the destinations of the other horses moving about in the arena preventing a traffic collision.
As a judge I often note a rider staring too far ahead directly across to the opposite side of a circle for example. This looks unnatural and practically speaking detaches you from your horse. Soft eyes keep moving scanning and planning ahead.
Upper Body and Seat
Sit tall and upright in the saddle as if someone were lifting you up by the ears stretching the curves out of your spine. However theres a fine line between straightness and stiffness. The American Quarter Horse Association AQHA rulebook describes it well a flat yet relaxed and supple back is to be rewarded.
Your seat moderates the length and tempo of your horses stride. Your hips should open and close with the swing of your horses movement similar to following the motion of a playground swing. Locking your lower back will cause your seat to bounce in the saddle