forward seat

The forward seat is a style of riding favored in disciplines like show jumping, hunting, and cross-country riding. It is designed to align with the horse's natural movements. In this position, the rider sits near the center of the saddle with their torso slightly forward, even when the horse is at a halt. The saddle itself is shaped with forward-leaning flaps, and sometimes includes knee rolls for added support during jumps. The rider maintains a grip with their lower thigh and knee, keeping their heels down and their foot arch pressing on the stirrup. This allows for a straight line from the rider's elbow, through their hands, and to the horse's bit. As the horse moves, the rider's hands move forward to ensure the horse's comfort.1

This riding style was significantly influenced by Captain Federico Caprilli, an Italian cavalry instructor, who revolutionized horsemanship with his studies on horse psychology and mechanics. He developed the forward seat, placing the rider's weight forward over the horse's withers. This method is now widely used, except in dressage and showing competitions.2