Cowboy Bob's Questions and Answers – page 187 – A posture problem or a saddle problem?

QUESTION:

Hi Bob!

Just visited your web site for the first time but I’m sure I’ll be going back again soon! Really enjoyed it. My question is I am a new rider and after lessons I am often left with a sore “behind.” I know this question is probably pretty vague, but does this sound like a posture problem or a saddle problem? I feel my posture is pretty good in the saddle, but it seems like I end up hitting the back of the saddle quite often with MY back side.

Thanks, any help is much appreciated!

— D. V.

ANSWER:

I assume you read Q&A #2 on getting sore from riding. Of the four possibilities mentioned in that Q&A, two would seem most likely:

1. A saddle that’s the wrong size for you. You mention that you get sore after a lesson, so I’m guessing that you may be riding a lesson horse with someone else’s saddle. You may want to consider shopping for a larger saddle if that seems to be the problem.

2. Incorrect posture. If you tend to slouch, that posture will push your rear against the cantle. Push your chest forward and up, and your back end will rotate forward and off the cantle. Look at the two photos of my friend Evvy at the right to see how this change of posture can pull you away from the cantle.