Balanced Seat Discussion Forum
Mission Statement
The goal of the www.thebalancedseat.com is to offer the proven effectiveness of the traditional Military/Balanced Seat to contemporary riders in demanding equestrian sports like eventing, foxhunting and polo. Additionally, we want to preserve the fine and gallant history of this seat, not only by establishing the Balanced Seat’s use in competition and general riding, but also in the military and police work.
Those of us who were trained in this method of riding by US military trained riders are getting older. Just as the cavalrymen who taught us to ride in the 1950’s and 60’s faded away, soon we, the second generation of Military/Balanced Seat instructors and riders, will exit the contemporary equestrian scene. With each succeeding generation of riders after us, a great deal of experience and information will be lost. Yes, the manuals will remain, but the quality of the first hand experiences will become fewer as time goes by.
Training drills like the incomparable “follow me” rides lead by a cavalryman are, for example, not in the manuals. The ever present high standard of practicality and effectiveness in traditional Balanced Seat riding instruction is fast giving way to a more commercial approach. For example, most current web searches for “horseback riding” are categorized under hobby rather than sport. While many contemporary riders demonstrate a preference for short cuts and quick fixes, a significant number choose the dedication and hard work required to produce a truly effective rider. These are the future Balanced Seat riders and instructors that www.thebalanceseat.com hopes to support, and establish as the future leaders of the equestrian community.
It is our position that the Balanced Seat is the most effective method of riding in the broadest range of conditions and circumstances. It is the most effective method to achieve unity with one’s horse, and mastery of every truly athletic equestrian competition or trial regardless of conditions such as terrain, footing, obstacles, weather or any other. Our aim is to expand and preserve the Balanced Seat’s value in the present and in the future. We encourage every rider to explore how the advanced fundamentals of this combat proven riding method can improve their riding and success in equestrian sport.
mission