How to Develop an Independent Seat

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Having an independent seat that follows the motions of your horse is critical to becoming a good and effective rider. Here I offer some exercises to help you develop this independent seat...
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[@MaRia-sp8kg]

I always wonder who dislikes your videos! They are amazing, because you don't talk ages about theory, but show everything in practice. I also like how you show bad examples and give tips on how to improve. I'd love a video on how exactly to use your legs (where, how often, in walk, trot, canter, on circles etc...). Greetings from Germany :)

[@andyclipson242]

We do have access to an amazing trainer every day. It's you!

[@nicsluckytw1]

I learned my seat by counting the strides in the walk and following the back in the walk and feeling the hips rise into the trot. At times I will have someone lunge line and I will train with no hand at all on the reins arms out like flying, chin up and totally free hip. Seat bones doing the work. It's how I teach all my students..they come up balanced and strong in their own spine and ready for independent leg and hand.

[@bradkristinn9119]

I just found and thank you! I paid a supposed dressage trainer for two years and she never taught me anything at all. I didn't learn my seat, contact, any of it and I'm ashamed I paid for so long. I've learned more in your video than two years combined. I went on and bought a performance horse and I've struggled so much because I have no foundation. It turns out many people Really don't know how to teach. I've owned horses 8 years and started as a therapeutic rider after major hip reconstructions in my early 30's. Thank you I will make a goal to support you!

[@debistevens3238]

I want to thank you for your you tube videos. I pick a video to watch before I go outside to ride. It keeps the exercises and topic fresh in my mind. The visual example of what I want to look like on my horse is inspiring.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Great to hear!

[@cynthiabrown2806]

Wonderful!! My biggest challenge is re-developing my seat after years of not riding and these exercises are exactly what I need right now. You also gave me some much needed confidence as I realized I am not quite as bad as I had thought. Thanks for giving me some tips I will be using as I work towards this goal. I am really enjoying your channel. Thank you!

[@francisberry7692]

Thanks for these videos. Im struggling with keeping all independent and not riding with soft hands. I have a lesson this morning and watched quite a few of your videos so will see how it goes this morning. Thanks again ❤

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Let me know how it goes!

[@eventerjazz6]

This has definitely inspired me to start working on riding without stirrups with the horse I am half leasing. He's a 17.2hh dutch warmblood, and I just started to Half lease him a couple weeks ago. I'm only 5'2", so his height can be frightening for me, but he's got such a great work ethic and I'm starting to feel like we really have a lot to teach each other. I think I will start doing some no stirrup work and start trying to improve my independent seat. Thank you so much for all of these videos!

[@kimberleenadwocki4393]

I love this video about going from rising to sitting. I count to 10 in sitting and back to rising. Thank you 😊

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks Kimberlee!

[@robynmartin2026]

Nice one Amelia, really enjoyed this one. Love your info, thank you so much!!

[@beckyzimmerle1056]

Thank you Amelia... I live in Kyrgyzstan and work with special needs kids doing hippo therapy! I have five amazing horses.. feel so blessed I even have a former Kyrgyzstan dressage champion☺️I have been working hard to ride better and learn so much from you! I can't thank you enough.. I enjoy my rides so much more using your helpful tips

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching Becky Zimmerle , and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! I'd love to see you at my FREE webinar on contact and connection tomorrow! It will really help you level up your performance and connection with your horse! I'm also giving away THREE stops on my brand new program which is being launched at the webinar! You can sign up here! I hope you can come! :) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/free-webinar-contact-and-connection

[@kathywilhelm3040]

Watching you is so helpful. I struggle with inner thigh strength which seems to show up in canter the most. Watching you and your comments helps so much. Thanks

[@karenbrown780]

Thanks ! I haven't tried those excercises they will help me still bounce a little when cantering..

[@carolinlarson4089]

Look at that BEAUTIFUL horse! If I could go out and buy a horse right now, he is exactly what I would try to find!! :) :) :) Seriously, I love these videos. It's incredible to me the caring and dedication you invest in our riding. Yes, it's your chosen career to be a trainer; but, you go way above and beyond in my opinion to help us succeed, no matter our riding level. The demos - being able to put a vision to your spoken instruction - is most helpful. Also, being able to compare the correct way with the incorrect way through visual examples helps reinforce in my mind and also gives a sense of how it should feel. Easier said than done, of course. I've been humbled thru dressage to be happy with ANY small achievement or improvement in a lesson - even just achieving one correct canter circle or four good corners going around the arena has become zen! Thank you for creating the emails. I know it adds to your workload, but know it is very much appreciated.

[@JM-ij2nl]

Thanks Amelia! I am going to include this in my rides

[@horsemom6421]

All your videos are so helpful. Thank you

[@jcarroccio7844]

Lovely riding. Soft and connected. Thanks for sharing.

[@susanwager943]

Love this video! So great to be able to actually see what my trainer is asking for. Thank you!

[@gabrielleallen5025]

Having access to your videos- and being able to see and hear your explanations... helps so much, even when I’m not in home isolation/quarantine. Discussing the independent seat? It’s so difficult to explain to riders-so I usually just send your video! Thank you so much for all of your videos

[@barbarahenderson1877]

I love all your videos Amelia, I put my earphones in while I’m riding to keep me motivated, I have joined your flying changes masterclass and I’m loving it, thank you 💕

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Wonderful! thank you so much for the kind words

[@patrickmccaffrey6292]

another fantastic video, thank you

[@tashakline2182]

I have no desire to use my horse for dressage. However, i have still learned quite a bit just discovering your chan. last night. Thanks.

[@CavaliaGirl]

You are a very effective teacher with extremely relevant topics. Thank you - I'll thank you even better by supporting your work through Patreon.

[@michaelbarry7389]

Super videos I’m learning a lot as I work with eventing horses every day so this info is invaluable

[@elizabethinnes9404]

Wonderful videos really helpful. Thank you.

[@barbarabro6990]

Riding with only one stirrup has been an eye opener for me. It really has shown me how unbalanced I am in the saddle.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes!!

[@PoetOnTheRun]

Thanks Amelia!!!! I will try to subscribe..

[@cindynoble2037]

All your videos and tips have helped me so much with my position and riding. Thank you Amelia👍😚🐎🐴

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! I'm so glad it is helpful!

[@sonie1045]

Drink a shot everytime she says guys❤️😂btw love you amelia

[@cristinavalenta1576]

Great videos!

[@hannahhering655]

I really really enjoy watching your videos 😃

[@foundationdressage]

love this one too!!

[@UnicornCentaur]

1:58 Centaur shout out! YASSSS! 😍

[@chasingchrome]

Great idea to do a Patreon ♥️♥️♥️

[@keldel7114]

Thanks so much for all your great videos and advice... 👍👍 I am curious as to what brand/make of saddle you are riding in?? It looks like it puts you in a great riding position...

[@sarabederman7933]

So helpful!

[@katewilkinson4281]

Amelia. You are such a lovely rider and an inspiration to watch. I practise working without stirrups in walk and trot but haven’t yet had the courage to make the canter transition. My horse has a lovely smooth canter but a bouncy trot. I’m scared that once I make the downwards transition that I’ll grip to much with my knees and end up becoming a ball on the top, making him spook. I’m trying breathing into my seat bones as I make downward transitions do you have any other advice. Thank you, Kate from Cheshire in the UK.

[@reneenowicki6859]

Your videos are the best!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you like them!

[@AmyLouiseYT]

Great video! My problem is that my mare is VERY bouncy and rather unbalanced still. She's only finally learning to allow her back to move instead of holding it so tightly. I go for Chiro as my hip flexors and low back are quite tight. I've only been able to sit her trot once. Since that day she hasn't moved well enough. It's like she gave me nice movement one day and took 20 steps backwards the next. Wonderful tips. One day I hope to be able to do no stirrup work with her.

[@brittwoodall1337]

Hi Amelia! First off- thank you for doing these videos. Your channel is my favorite to watch! Can you do a video focusing on canter to sitting trot? That is the one thing I’m really struggling with my mare right now. I can sit the canter very well and I can sit the trot well, but when I do the canter to trot transition I bounce a few strides and I hate it! My next show will be at training level one and while I can do posting I would really like to be able to do it sitting, but the messy canter-trot transitions are sort of holding me back!! I would love to hear your insight on getting those transitions smoother!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hmm, ok good idea!!

[@conniepaschall8313]

Good video and I’ll add the sitting to rising trot to my training. As far as riding without stirrups, could you perform it again on a horse not so well trained? Most of us don’t have advanced horses with a perfect canter. I’d like to see how it works when the horse is unbalanced and forward.

[@leah-bethanderton9419]

Great video!😀 Just wondering if I should try rising trot without stirrups as well to help my seat??? Thanks so much love your videos and am so happy you opened a Patreon account. I'll tell all my friends about this. Love your horse!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes, you can try rising trot without stirrups also! Thank you!

[@sweetlilella1983]

Thank you for this video. When you say to practice giving up the rein do you mean to maintain contact in that rein while lifting your hand? I’m working on my riding and learning along with a 5 year old mare.

[@wntrwhte]

Have you considered experimenting with virtual teaching via livestream? I've been working on it with a few savvy trainers and it's been really fun so far.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yeah, I have considered it... Where can I get more information on it? What kind of technology do you need?

[@wntrwhte]

We have been using a soloshot3 for the student end, and a bluetooth headset for the rider with a standard phone call for audio. The soloshot has built in live streaming as long as you have wifi. It takes some getting used to as there is a small delay on the video feed, so we will usually discuss an exercise, I'll ride it, then get feedback, then ride it again - but it's opened up a lot of possibilities for me to "ride with" different people even though my horses are at my home.

[@deevl9967]

omg! I would love to do this!!!

[@AdilKhan-ny1hk24]

Nice

[@bwill3337]

I always start my warm up without stirrups with my horse long and low, to let him relax and my seat settle in. But i can't sit my horses trot consistently. Once im back in stirrups i continue to walk long and low, then ease him into contact, then finally trot. I have my stirrups as long as i can get them and still post effectively. But, when i canter i feel tight and unbalanced at times. Sometimes i even have to canter without stirrups to regain my balance, or at least the feel of balance. I guess i feel better in walk and canner with longer situps but i can't post at the same length without feeling like I'm really reaching! Any tips?

[@sarahhicks5404]

Any advice on transition from posting to sitting so as to NOT grip with my knees at first? I feel like I come down too hard on her instead of melting into her. I probably just need to do it more and more and more and.....:) But if there's a little secret that could help I'd love to hear it. Thank you so much for all you put on KZbin and Patreon!!

[@jeffreythompson5750]

I just wanted to Thankyou for your videos. I’ve been doing online dressage for about 6 months . I’ve been struggling with getting my boy on the bit and going forward in a nice outline. I just discovered your videos 2 weeks ago and wowww!!! You explained things in very simple logical ways that I was finally able to put in a half decent test in and got a respectable 66.5 with some lovely comments. You are now in my ear at each of my riding sessions. Thankyou 👏👏👏😍

[@jeffreythompson5750]

Sorry I’m Leanna not Jeff, he’s my husband 😂🤣😂

[@MrZoltack]

I hear "inside leg outside rein" all the time so it seems like once you have that down and you're relaxed then you're 3/4 of the way there.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Absolutely, it's one of the best nuggets of knowledge you can learn! Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to get notified of my weekly videos!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R You can sign up to get my weekly dressage tips here! bit.ly/3FE0y8c I’m also on FB and IG bit.ly/3M9JCcc & bit.ly/3L8gP6g Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! bit.ly/38ljQ64 Also, if you love my content, I’d love if you left me a review on google! g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/review And finally, there’s my website! bit.ly/3w6rABY Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@thenoodledog]

Not only don't have access to amazing trainers everyday, I don't even have access to horses everyday :D

[@lucymertens5499]

Do you have any tips for someone who is going from hunt to dressage? I’ve recently switched disciplines and I’m struggling with staying consistent in my seat and hands.

[@mickyms3999]

lucy mertens practice. And sit up straight. Keep your shoulders back

[@TheTeapotte]

There shouldn't be much difference in your position and seat no matter what discipline you choose. In the hunter show ring or the dressage show ring a shoulder-hip-heel alignment always looks good and is correct for the horse's way of going. If you want to keep your hands steadier hold a whip flat across the top of the horse in your two hands while you are schooling, it will help keep your hands in sync with each other and stabilise them until you don't need to use it anymore.

[@MrsCoolKat]

How do you feel about riding bareback once a week or so to help your seat?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

It can be useful if your horse has some padding on his back ;)

[@devanpennington2188]

One thing I’ve wondered, what is the seat to be independent of? Is it our stirrups, are hands, both, or something else?

[@michellecarver8422]

Seat is ideally independent of both the hands and legs

[@sajamburak2630]

How can I do a trot without a knee.?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You can still do it! How you ask depends a little on how your body sits in the saddle, try reaching out to a good para coach to help!

[@helenabotelhogomes6900]

How old is Fargo?

[@trishmarkey4258]

Hi All! I am traveling to the Napa CA area with my family and horse February-April 2022. Would love some support from a good trainer, in that area. I am mostly western with my QH but take dressage lessons in Seattle area and love Amelia (I am also a Buck gal) Any connections would be great!

[@CloseToExtinction]

I don't have access to any trainer 😖😭

[@carlgrimes706]

Okay can someone answer my question. So to make your horse walk forward do you kick the horses sides and click your tongue? I need some basic tips please

[@johnnyyy1111]

You can kick if you want but i would just add a little bit of pressure to its sides and then releasing so just squeeze your legs and the horse should start walking if it doesn't add more pressure and if it still doesn't walk get a crop. You can click your tongue to encourage your horse but some horses are more vocal than others it just depends on the horse so just try do everything and see what works best

[@carlgrimes706]

shut the front door Okay, thanks so much.

[@johnnyyy1111]

@@carlgrimes706 anytime

[@grandcarriage1]

You have wonderful information to share. BUT If I hear "You guys" one more time, I think I might scream. Ten times in the first minute, alone.

[@zulkiflijamaludin8066]

@Amelia Newcombe Dressage hi r u single or married 🤭?

[@spiridoulaathanasopoulou9244]

my God..... tthose bits remind a medieval torture. too much metal.....