American seat

horse racing

Also known as: monkey crouch

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The "American seat" refers to a style of riding in horse racing that developed in the United States. This riding style involves a short stirrup and a crouching posture, which was initially used for short-distance sprints. This technique eventually became the standard for all distances in horse racing globally.1

Horse racing itself is an ancient sport with a long history, dating back to the Olympic Games in Greece and the Roman Empire. Organized racing evolved over centuries, with significant developments in England and France during medieval and later periods. In North America, organized racing began in the 17th century. The modern era of racing, particularly in England and the United States, saw the establishment of classic races and the development of specific racing patterns.2134

The American Triple Crown is a series of three prestigious races for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three in a single season is considered the highest achievement in American horse racing.513

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horse racing
Racing strategy
…and a crouching posture—this “American seat” eventually became standard worldwide for all distances. As longer, elliptical racetracks were built in New York and throughout the South, a greater onus was placed on jockeys to pace their horses. Because Thoroughbred horses are capable of running only about a quarter of…
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…and a crouching posture—this “American seat” eventually became standard worldwide for all distances. As longer, elliptical racetracks were built in New York and throughout the South, a greater onus was placed on jockeys to pace their horses. Because Thoroughbred horses are capable of running only about a quarter of…
Read More

Tod Sloan
…jockey, who popularized the “monkey crouch” riding style, which at first was derided but later was adopted by most jockeys. He was a colourful, self-assertive personage, but he squandered his considerable earnings and died in poverty.
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…jockey, who popularized the “monkey crouch” riding style, which at first was derided but later was adopted by most jockeys. He was a colourful, self-assertive personage, but he squandered his considerable earnings and died in poverty.
Read More