Rider Balance & Stability

A Mini Course for Building an Independent, Effective Seat

True rider balance is not created by gripping harder, bracing the core, or holding tension in the body. It’s built through awareness, correct alignment, and learning how to engage—and release—the right muscles at the right time.

The Rider Balance & Stability mini course is designed to help riders develop an independent seat that supports the horse instead of restricting them. Through intentional warm-up work and progressive mounted exercises, riders learn how to stabilize without stiffness and stay balanced through movement, transitions, and change.

What This Mini Course Covers

This lesson bundle includes 10 mounted balance and stability exercises, each presented with:

• Clear visual arena diagrams

• Step-by-step instructions for how to ride the exercise

• Common rider mistakes and why they happen

• Practical solutions instructors can apply immediately

• Challenges and variations to adapt each exercise for different rider skill levels

These exercises are suitable for lesson programs, individual riders, and instructors working across multiple disciplines.

Included: Pre-Ride Warm-Up & Activation (2 Pages)

Before balance can improve in the saddle, the body needs to be prepared to move well.

This mini course includes a 2-page rider warm-up designed specifically for equestrians. These exercises can be completed by the mounting block, with no mat required, in just 5–7 minutes before riding.

The warm-up focuses on:

• Activating deep stabilizing muscles without fatigue

• Finding neutral pelvic alignment

• Improving hip, ankle, and postural awareness

• Preparing riders to engage and release instead of brace

This pre-ride activation sets riders up for more effective, balanced work once mounted.

Skills Developed in This Mini Course

• Independent seat and core stability

• Lower-leg balance without gripping

• Improved body awareness and coordination

• Better alignment through transitions and movement

• Reduced reliance on reins for balance

• Increased rider effectiveness without added tension

As rider balance improves, horses are better able to relax, move freely, and develop self-carriage.

Who This Mini Course Is For

• Riding instructors looking for clear, teachable balance exercises

• Riders who struggle with stiffness, gripping, or instability

• Lesson programs needing adaptable exercises for mixed skill levels

• Riders wanting better balance without force or overcorrection

Exercises can be ridden at the walk, trot, and canter depending on rider ability.

Format & Access

• Digital download

• Printable PDF

• Includes visual diagrams and instructor-friendly layouts

• Instant access after purchase