Discussion # 88: Let's take a look at the balance of these two riders!
Now, this is definitely not meant to be a "Eventers vs Show Jumpers" debate, but let's take a look at the balance of these two riders. Based on a recent discussion on Facebook, it seems many riders are under the false impression that an automatic release with a low hand would bring the rider's balance too far forward. But take a look at the first picture, and this rider's lovely and soft automatic release. You should get a sense that this rider could put her hand absolutely anywhere she wanted, even all the way down to her toes! ...without her balance coming forward.
On both pictures below, locate each riders center of gravity by imagining where their belly button is.... and then note where that point is in relation to both the horse's withers, and the rider's feet.
Because the rider in the second picture has a much more forward balance point, with the resulting pinched knee, and lower leg falling back - the only way he could possibly use the same kind of release as the rider in the first picture (if he wanted to), would be to rely on that extreme knee grip (which is his base of support in this case, rather than his stirrup.)
Both of these are great riders, who are very successful, and have a style that works for them. But we should be able to examine each rider's form and style, and learn from it. Please share your thoughts!(Click on Discussion Title above (in blue) to read this educational discussion)
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