The American Forward Seat: A Conversation about Style, Feel, and Position with Peter Wylde

Americans are known for their smooth, forward positions on the horse, so much so that it’s come to be known as the American Forward System, or American Forward Seat.
Where did this style originate, and how has it changed over the years as our light, sensitive Thoroughbreds have blended with the heavier horses of Europe? Does it still provide the same effective foundation today as it did before, or has it become an affectation of its former self, with riders simply “perching” ineffectively, maybe even vulnerably, on the horse?
In this Equestrian Voices episode, Caroline sits down with Olympic Gold Medalist and former top show jumping rider Peter Wylde. Peter, whose depth and breadth of experience also includes coaching top eventing athletes like Boyd Martin, Liz Halliday Sharp and digs into all of the above questions, plus so much more. 🙌
The amount of knowledge covered in this special episode is truly astounding, and includes topics such as:
▪️ How the American “Forward Seat” blended with the European style of riding to create a more modern, effective version
▪️ The effects of globalization of the sport on rider position
▪️ Why modern course design has had a direct impact on how riders position themselves in the saddle
▪️ A list of riders who Peter believe are excellent riders to study and emulate
▪️ The role that confidence plays in developing (and keeping) a positive riding style
▪️ The differences in both environment and rider culture between top 3 Day Eventing and Show Jumping competitions.
▪️ The nuances of coaching elite level riders
👉 It’s worth noting that if you like what you hear, Peter Wylde has an Equestrian Masterclass available now that’s all about how to become an effective, smooth rider.

[@vernalin4506]

What a good interview, covering so many aspects! So much insight. Thank you.

[@VIPEqTHud]

To a Brit the American hunter and equitation seat looks really strange. I don’t get the style of duck butt and hollow back. Over a fence throwing the body up the neck just loads the forehand. I don’t get it. It’s totally the opposite of the proper British fox hunting seat where we “hail a cab!” If you ride a big hedge with a drop on landing into heavy holding mud and the horse lands steep you need to pre empt and sit up! So to me I can’t see how the”historical argument for the hunts seats origin can be valid.

[@bethconey8421]

Wylde agreed with you