This is a good, athletic rider; I’d be happy to have her as one of my students. Her entire position, head to heel, indicates that she’s strong, positive, and capable.

Her stirrup is just the right length, and her leg is down and around her horse, giving her great security.

Her base of support is fine, her seat thrown out of the saddle just enough–she’s neither jumping ahead of her horse nor falling back.

Her back is flat, her overall posture excellent. Her eyes are focused up and ahead, looking in the direction that she’s going to turn.

Her hands are resting and pressing against her horse’s neck below the crest, where I like to see them. Her stick is the right length, and she’s carrying it correctly.

It is hard to be certain whether she’s grimacing or grinning, but I suspect it’s the latter–because she should be enjoying her horse. He’s a fabulous jumper. His knees are high, and he’s so tight below that he needs a belly guard for protection. He’s using his head, neck and back beautifully. His hind end is still on the ground, but I have a feeling it’ll follow through well.

Reprinted from the January 1990 issue of Practical Horseman magazine. Is this photo of you? Email Practical.Horseman@EquiNetwork.com, and we’ll identify you!