Magnum Ponies

Just talked about this in lessons on Saturday!

Jim Wofford said, "Good riders sit." The two left photos, a HJer and an eventer, are riding in the same position that some call a 2-point. The two right photos are MacLain Ward top and Bruce Davidson below. The obvious difference is that the riders on the left ride up out of the saddle with straighter knees and they depend on the horse's neck for their balance. This makes these riders "top heavy" and their movements are more apt to interfere with their horse's balance.

Ward and Davidson ride closer to the saddle, lowering the center of gravity of the horse and rider pair, thus creating greater stability. Yes, I know Davidson is in a jump, but I picked this image to make the point that he demonstrates a light or half seat over a jump, which requires great strength in the lower body that the two left riders seem to lack. Davidson rode in a light or half seat, not perched like the riders on the left, except when he needed to sit deeply for increased engagement.

The bottom image by Susan Harris shows the difference between the current "2-point position" and the original 2-point. The left 2-point is actually a 3-point position because it has the two points of balance in the rider's feet, plus a 3rd point of balance with the hands on the neck. The original 2-point is shown on the right with only the two points of balance in the feet.

The authentic 2-point is a dynamic or moving balance independent of the horse's balance and motion. An independent balanced seat is safer because if the horse stumbles, the rider can maintain their balance and not automatically be affected by a horse's sudden imbalance.

The new "2-point", that is actually a 3-point, is a static balance tied to the horse's balance. This position makes the rider a passenger dependent on the horse's balance. In this static dependent balance, if the horse stumbles the rider, riders lacking their own independent balance can more easily be pitched forward even to the point of being launched forward onto the ground.

The 3-point is rewarded by judges even though it is a static unbalanced position forward of the horse's center of balance and thus dangerous if the horse loses their balance. This is one of the primary examples of how several disciplines have invented their own isolated discipline "horsemanships" with elements that are impractical, ineffective and sometimes dangerous. The worst part is that these discipline idiosyncrasies make the horses' job more difficult.

I have a video on my YouTube channel that discusses this in greater detail www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IEpQmApva0&t=28s

🏐 Why the Ball of Your Foot is Key to a Stable Riding Position When it comes to stirrup placement, the ball of your foot offers a far more stable base than resting your stirrup on your toes. Here’s why: 🔹 Better Control for Your Hips and Knees With your weight centered over the ball of your foot, your ankles can absorb movement effectively. This allows your knees and hips to extend and flex in a controlled way, improving your overall balance and movement with the horse. 🔹 Improved Stability The ball of your foot provides a solid anchor point, reducing the chance of losing your stirrups and helping maintain consistent contact with the horse. In contrast, placing the stirrup on your toes can lead to instability and less control in your lower leg. 🔹 Stronger Riding Position A stable base means you’re not gripping with your thighs or bracing against the stirrups. Instead, you can achieve a balanced, supple position that allows you to follow your horse’s movement without unnecessary tension. Building stability starts with small adjustments like this. When your base is stable, the rest of your body can work with greater precision, improving your balance and effectiveness in the saddle. If you want to know more about rider biomechanics and exercises to help your riding sign up for the rider physio video subscription 🙌 🔗www.pegasusphysio.co.uk #riderbiomechanics #riderfitness #riderphysio #horseriderproblems #horseriders #riderposture #horserider #riderposition #riderrehab #equestriansimulator #mechanicalhorse #horseriding