The horse’s center of gravity

Every human and every horse has a center of gravity.

The horse’s center of gravity is located just behind its front legs, in the middle of its body.
Our own center of gravity is in the center, at the level of the navel against the spine.

While riding, we must try to keep our center of gravity aligned directly above the horse’s center of gravity. Otherwise, we are not in balance, and the equilibrium is disrupted.

Due to the horse’s natural asymmetry, the center of gravity is often not in the middle but has shifted toward one of the front legs.

This does no harm, as long as we do not ride the horse.

If we want to ride our horse, it is important to gymnasticize the horse so it becomes more supple and stronger, allowing the hindquarters to take on more and more weight.

When this happens, the center of gravity will remain centered much better. This is necessary to properly carry a rider, relieve the forehand, and prevent overloading the horse.