04/06/2026
The hardest part about seat awareness is that a crooked seat does not feel crooked. This is because of proprioception. What feels normal to us, well, feels normal!
Most riders find out something is off from the outside first. A coach might mention it, or they might see it on a video. Some riders even argue with their coach until they see the video! You often genuinely cannot feel it until someone points it out.
This is just how the body works. It compensates so efficiently that the compensation becomes the baseline. Your horse has their own compensations (which sometimes match their rider's - it's fascinating!), but can also feel yours very clearly. They feel a heavier or harder rein, an uneven seatbone or a longer leg. Horses either quietly reorganise themselves around you, or they resist (the more crooked you are, the more the resistance shows up).🐴
Our EngagedRider Resistance Bands help with this exact issue. They connect cross-body muscle chains so you feel the difference between your left and right side in real time. They also activate proprioception points on your shoulders, back, thighs and feet. It means you can address your crookedness with immediate feedback. Not after your ride, from a video, but right there in the saddle where you can actually start to rebuild your body's habits.
Do you know your own crookedness? Share them here to help other riders!
