05/04/2023
Balance Alignment
When we consider how both the rider and horse must fit together, one key element is the Balance Alignment, which is the alignment of the equine & human sternum. It's important to remember that this is not the only thing we look at, and Balance Alignment is only one of MANY different factors we look at for overall fit.
We see a lot of posts talking about girths, rider position, and leg position, but the simple fact of the matter is that leg position is influenced by rider position, which is influenced by seat balance, which must be aligned with the horse. Girthing has zero to do with leg position, and everything to do with billet alignment to the balance point of the horse, which is located at the sternum. Leg position is the result of stirrup bar placement in relation to the balance point of the saddle, which is determined by rider s*x and more than a dozen other rider measurements.
Back to Balance Alignment, is achieved by ensuring the alignment of the rider's sternum is as close to the position of the horse's sternum (visualized by finding where the underside profile goes from flat, to curved, also known as the girth groove by some). Without balance alignment, the rider is effectively placed behind the movement of the horse and constantly feels the need to "catch up". Additionally, many saddles have incorrect stirrup bar placement, so in addition to sitting too far back, the leg gets pulled forward, putting a ton of additional strain on the rider and the horse. The added concussion from the rider directly impacts the gaits and prevents fluid movement through the back as the horse must consistently brace against the impact of the rider. Sitting in alignment with the horse allows the rider to be placed in the quietest part of the back, moving with the horse as opposed to against. When searching for a saddle, the lowest part of the seat should be about 5" from the balance point of the horse.
That said, as mentioned, Balance Alignment is not everything, but still an important piece to overall rider and horse fit.
Shown in photo:
Red Line - Rider sternum
Yellow Line - Balance point of the horse
