Horse Riding

Master Balanced Seat and Soft Hands for Better Horse Riding

Horse riding can seem like a world of technical details – different disciplines, aids, tack, and training philosophies. But experienced riders and trainers often agree that a small set of fundamentals shape most of what happens in the saddle. That is the 80/20 rule in horse riding: about 20% of your skills and habits create 80% of your safety, control, and connection with the horse.

Focus on those, and both you and your horse will enjoy the ride far more.

The vital 20%: riding fundamentals that drive 80% of outcomes

• Balanced, independent seat. Sitting in balance – aligned over your hips and heels, moving with the horse’s motion – is the foundation of all riding. Without it, your hands and legs cannot communicate clearly.
• Soft, steady hands. Horses respond better to consistent, elastic contact than to abrupt pulling. Good hands follow the horse’s movement and use subtle adjustments rather than constant pressure.
• Clear, consistent aids. Using your legs, seat, and reins in a predictable way helps the horse understand what you are asking. Mixed or constantly changing signals create confusion and resistance.
• Calm, attentive mindset. Horses are sensitive to tension and fear. A rider who breathes, stays present, and responds thoughtfully rather than reacting emotionally is much easier for a horse to trust.

Real-life 80/20 horse riding: from pulling and kicking to partnership

Imagine a novice rider struggling with a "stubborn" horse. They kick harder, pull more on the reins, and feel frustrated when little changes. Their instructor introduces the 80/20 approach: focus on seat and balance first.

Over a few lessons, the rider practices riding without stirrups on the lunge, learning to sit deeper and follow the horse’s movement. They soften their hands and start using lighter leg aids. As their body becomes more stable, the horse relaxes and responds with smoother transitions and fewer arguments.

The horse has not changed; the quality of communication has.

Using the 80/20 rule to guide your riding progress

If you searched for "horse riding 80/20 rule," you likely want to improve without getting lost in endless technique.

• Ask your trainer to focus lessons on seat, balance, and basic aids before complex maneuvers.
• Spend time on groundwork and leading; horses that respect and trust you on the ground are often easier under saddle.
• Practice breathing and relaxation exercises before and during rides to keep your body soft.
• Keep a riding journal noting what worked, what stressed the horse, and what small improvements you noticed. Patterns will reveal where to focus.

A final word

Horse riding is a partnership, not just a technique. By concentrating on balance, soft hands, clear aids, and calm presence – the compact 20% that governs most of the experience – you make riding safer, kinder, and more rewarding for both you and your horse.