Sitka Equestrian

Jim Wofford said, "Good riders sit." The two left photos, a HJer and an eventer, are riding in the same position that some call a 2-point. The two right photos are MacLain Ward top and Bruce Davidson below. The obvious difference is that the riders on the left ride up out of the saddle with straighter knees and they depend on the horse's neck for their balance. This makes these riders "top heavy" and their movements are more apt to interfere with their horse's balance.

Ward and Davidson ride closer to the saddle, lowering the center of gravity of the horse and rider pair, thus creating greater stability. Yes, I know Davidson is in a jump, but I picked this image to make the point that he demonstrates a light or half seat over a jump, which requires great strength in the lower body that the two left riders seem to lack. Davidson rode in a light or half seat, not perched like the riders on the left, except when he needed to sit deeply for increased engagement.

The bottom image by Susan Harris shows the difference between the current "2-point position" and the original 2-point. The left 2-point is actually a 3-point position because it has the two points of balance in the rider's feet, plus a 3rd point of balance with the hands on the neck. The original 2-point is shown on the right with only the two points of balance in the feet.

The authentic 2-point is a dynamic or moving balance independent of the horse's balance and motion. An independent balanced seat is safer because if the horse stumbles, the rider can maintain their balance and not automatically be affected by a horse's sudden imbalance.

The new "2-point", that is actually a 3-point, is a static balance tied to the horse's balance. This position makes the rider a passenger dependent on the horse's balance. In this static dependent balance, if the horse stumbles the rider, riders lacking their own independent balance can more easily be pitched forward even to the point of being launched forward onto the ground.

The 3-point is rewarded by judges even though it is a static unbalanced position forward of the horse's center of balance and thus dangerous if the horse loses their balance. This is one of the primary examples of how several disciplines have invented their own isolated discipline "horsemanships" with elements that are impractical, ineffective and sometimes dangerous. The worst part is that these discipline idiosyncrasies make the horses' job more difficult.

I have a video on my YouTube channel that discusses this in greater detail www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IEpQmApva0&t=28s

Get your tickets before it’s too late!!!

Points are officially LIVE on our website! Be sure to check them out and grab your Huntball ticket ASAP! 🎉 🏆 www.vihja.ca/points

We are SO excited for this year's Huntball... It's Circus themed! 🎪

Tickets are available for purchase by e-transfer or cash at Victoria Saddlery or by text to Victoria at (250) 213-1329
🎟️ Adults $70
🎟️ Kids $35

Dress to impress in your best semi-formal attire (costumes are also very welcome - think The Greatest Showman!)

Get ready to experience a night like no other, with an awesome DJ 🎶, a 360 photo booth 📸, music bingo, awards, door prizes, an online silent auction, AND MORE!

If you have any questions about snagging a Huntball ticket, please connect with Victoria asap!

📣 Ticket sales end November 1st! 📣

Points are officially LIVE on our website! Be sure to check them out and grab your Huntball ticket ASAP! 🎉 🏆 www.vihja.ca/points

We are SO excited for this year's Huntball... It's Circus themed! 🎪

Tickets are available for purchase by e-transfer or cash at Victoria Saddlery or by text to Victoria at (250) 213-1329
🎟️ Adults $70
🎟️ Kids $35

Dress to impress in your best semi-formal attire (costumes are also very welcome - think The Greatest Showman!)

Get ready to experience a night like no other, with an awesome DJ 🎶, a 360 photo booth 📸, music bingo, awards, door prizes, an online silent auction, AND MORE!

If you have any questions about snagging a Huntball ticket, please connect with Victoria asap!

📣 Ticket sales end November 1st! 📣

Unfortunately I only remembered to take one photo today but fortunately it was a great day of many firsts!!! Meira & Belle had an excellent ride at their first show! Elizabeth & Truman had two great rounds and a 6th place at Truman’s first show. Then to finish the day, Amber & King moved up to 2’6” and won their equitation round!!! So proud of all the girls and ponies. Also thank you to all the people that came to help & support us 💕 It was an excellent finish to the season.