The #1 Posture Mistake Riders Make (And How It Affects Your Horse)

You’re trotting along, trying to stay with your horse’s rhythm… but something feels off. You’re bouncing, your legs are swinging, and no matter how hard you try to “sit up straight,” it just doesn’t feel balanced.

Sound familiar?

Posture is one of the most overlooked tools in riding—and the truth is, it affects everything. Not just your comfort, but your horse’s ability to move freely, stay balanced, and respond to your cues.

And the #1 posture mistake I see riders make?

Incorrect positioning of the pelvis.

Whether it’s tilting too far forward and perching on the pubic bone, or slumping backward into a chair seat, both extremes throw off your balance and your horse’s ability to perform. When your pelvis is out of alignment, your body becomes unstable, and your horse has to compensate. That’s when you’ll start to feel rushing, hollowing, lack of impulsion, or resistance in transitions.

Why This Matters to Your Horse

Your horse is always trying to balance under you. When your posture is off, your weight shifts in ways that can be confusing—or even uncomfortable—for them. That’s when you’ll see them speed up, lean on the forehand, or brace against your seat or hands.

But when you align your body correctly, you become part of the rhythm. Your seat follows, your legs stabilize, and your communication becomes clear. It’s not about looking pretty—it’s about being functional and fair to your horse.

How to Fix It: Upright Pelvis, Engaged Core

To ride with good posture, think of your body like building blocks:

• Ears over shoulders

• Shoulders over hips

• Hips over heels

Your pelvis should be upright—not tipped—and your core gently engaged. Imagine lifting through your spine while keeping your breath low and steady. It’s not about being stiff or rigid, it’s about being stable and soft at the same time.

Try this in the saddle: take your feet out of the stirrups and slowly bring your knees up toward your hands or the front of the saddle. As you do this, you’ll feel your seat bones drop directly into the saddle, helping you find a natural, neutral pelvis position. Once you’ve found that spot, gently release your legs back down into a neutral riding position—keeping your pelvis exactly where it is. This helps reset your alignment without tension and creates a more balanced, connected seat. Once you find it, breathe deeply into your belly and allow your seat to soften into the horse’s movement.

Bonus Tip: Practice Good Posture on the Ground First

Before you even get in the saddle, try this:

Stand tall with your feet under your hips, knees slightly bent, and your spine long. Stack your ears over your shoulders, shoulders over hips, and hips over your heels.

This standing position mimics ideal riding posture.

If it doesn’t feel balanced and strong here on the ground, it won’t magically fix itself once you’re in motion. Practicing this while standing next to your horse—or using the image above as a reference—is a great way to build body awareness and muscle memory before you even swing a leg over.

Final Thoughts

The best part about improving your posture is that it doesn’t require new tack, more gear, or fancy exercises. It starts with awareness—and a commitment to small adjustments that make a big difference.

Next time you ride, take a moment to check in with your alignment. Find neutral. Breathe deep. And notice how your horse responds when you meet them with balance and clarity.

If you’re ready to take your riding to the next level, check out the Riders Foundation Guide. It’s a complete step-by-step course to help you improve your balance, communication, and confidence in the saddle. Normally $159, you can grab it right now for only $97 with promo code PELVISFIRST as a thank-you for reading this blog.

Let this be the moment you invest in becoming the rider your horse deserves.