Certified Horsemanship Association instructors teach you to sit right.

From the Certified Horsemanship Association Composite Horsemanship Manual. CHA, an AQHA alliance partner, certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals and hosts interactive conferences.

Compiled by Hailey Harroun

Instructors from the Certified Horsemanship Association explain the correct positioning needed for a balanced seat:

• Hands and Arms: Elbows are relaxed and close to the sides. Traditionally, reins are held in the left hand, with the rein hand above and just in front of the pommel. The right hand is loose on the right thigh or across your midsection.

Your position in the saddle influences the horse’s way of going, which is especially significant in western pleasure classes. AQHA’s “Judging Western Pleasure” DVD demonstrates the correct way of going at the walk, jog and lope. AQHA members get a discount!

• Head: The head is level, eyes looking ahead.

• Shoulders: Both shoulders are square, relaxed and even. Be careful that the left shoulder doesn’t move higher than the right or twist forward as a result of holding the reins in the left hand.

• Back: The upper back should be flat, sitting tall in the saddle. The lower back should be relaxed and flexing with the horse’s movements.

• Lower Body: Sit deep in the center of the seat of the saddle, not back on the cantle. Keep your hip in line with your shoulder and the back of your heel.

• Legs and Feet: Stirrup length is important. When standing up in the stirrups with your heels lower than your toes and your knees slightly bent, there should be a space about 2 1/2 to 3 inches (a hand’s width) between the buttocks and the saddle.  The knees and thighs are rolled in so that the flat part of the knee is against the saddle. There is light contact with the horse on the inside of the calves. Ankles are flexed so the heels are lower than the toes. Only the balls of the feet are in the stirrups.

Now that you know the basics of the western seat, learn the basics of a western pleasure class. AQHA’s “Judging Western Pleasure” DVD gives insight into the judging process and is an excellent resource for horsemen of all ages and experience levels.

Go to QuarterFest on Our Dime!

AQHA members have a great opportunity to win a trip to QuarterFest: A Celebration of the American Quarter Horse. This one-of-a-kind event, May 1-3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, will be a chance to ride, touch, observe and learn how to care for your American Quarter Horse.

If you’ve visited AQHA’s new web site, americashorsedaily.com – and you want to visit QuarterFest – here’s the deal: In 200 words or less, tell us which tip on americashorsedaily.com you have benefited from most, and explain why. On the site, you’ll find tips and advice on training, recreational riding, showing, horse health and breeding – so you have lots to choose from.

Send us your entries no later than March 27. And please adhere to the word limit; longer essays will be disqualified. We’ll only accept one entry per person. The contest is open to AQHA members over age 18, and the winner will be notified by April 3.

The prize includes airfare to Murfreesboro from anywhere within the contiguous United States, hotel accommodations and event admission. Visit America’s Horse Daily for complete rules and to submit your entry.