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

Nominations for the VIHJA Board of Directors are open until November 17th! 🎉 As we prepare for our upcoming AGM, we have several important positions ready for new faces. Play a key role in shaping VIHJA’s future while recognizing the contributions of our departing board members!

Available Positions:
✨ President
✨ Vice President
✨ Treasurer
✨ Secretary
✨ Jumps & Equipment
✨ Communications & Engagement
✨ Hunt Ball Coordinator

Nominate someone passionate about our equestrian community before November 17th! 🌟

Learn more about the board positions available and submit your nominations here:
🔗 https://www.vihja.ca/board-nominations-2025

We have a couple of four legged boys looking for part leasers. Both located in Central Saanich at Lochside Lane. Must be in a program with both. One is a 15.2 Canadian suitable for almost any level & the other is a 16.3 Oldenburg for an intermediate+ rider. Both are well schooled on the flat & love to jump. Message me for more info!

Our AGM is coming up next month and you're invited! 🗓️

This meeting is open to all VIHJA members and is for the purpose of reviewing the 2024 year and prepare for 2025! 🐴

Board of Directors Nominations are now available to be submitted on the VIHJA website and will be closed Sunday, November 17th, 2024.

View the positions available & the board of directors online nomination form here:
https://www.vihja.ca/board-nominations-2025

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.

I love this!!! A true rider will adapt to each horse not expect the horse to adapt to them.

A small stab in the heart is what you feel when you put up the day's riding list and you see riders sinking heavily in their shoulders when reading which horse they are assigned for the lesson. A small stab in the heart for that horse that for an hour will carry around a rider who has already decided that he does not like his horse. A small stab in the heart for the horse that did not choose the rider himself but still does his best, lesson after lesson.

Riding is a privilege and something you have chosen to do. If you chose to ride at a riding school, your instructor assumes that you actually want to learn how to ride. The instructor's highest wish is that you get good at it.

Often there is a plan and a thought as to why you are assigned to that exact horse. Before you mount up next time, ask yourself "what can this horse teach me today?" All horses have something to give, a feeling or a new tool in the box.

The art is actually in being able to get a lazy horse to move forward, to get an uncertain horse to gain confidence, a naughty horse to focus or a tense horse to be released. It takes work. If you think a horse is boring, it's more likely that you don't ride the horse as well as you think! It's not easy to be confronted with your own shortcomings, but it is in that very situation that you get the chance to truly grow as a rider.

The excuse that "it's not my kind of horse" is actually a really bad excuse. A good rider can ride any kind of horse. A good rider has trained many hours on different types of horses to become a good rider. A good rider can find and manage the gold nuggets in every horse.

If we absolutely want to ride, it is our duty to strive to do it as best as possible, even if it's only for fun. We owe it to every horse that carries us upon it's back.

Copied and shared with love for all of our horses, ponies and riders 🐎❤🐎