The Weight Effects in the 7-Point Seat

How Proper Weight Distribution Transforms Your Riding and Your Horse's Movement

If you’ve ever spent time in the saddle, you’ll know that riding is about much more than just sitting atop a horse. The way you distribute your weight can make all the difference—not only for your own comfort and security, but for your horse’s ability to move freely and perform at their best. Enter the 7-point seat, a concept you might have come across on Lagoballo’s website blog, which breaks down exactly where your weight should be felt in the saddle for optimal riding harmony.

Understanding the 7-Point Seat

The 7-point seat is all about balance, precision, and subtlety (read up on it more here). It’s not just about plonking yourself down and hoping for the best—every part of your body has a role to play. Here’s how your weight should be distributed in the 7-point seat:

• 70% on the pelvis (sitting bones) on the saddle

• 20% on the inner thigh

• 5% on the top back inside of the calf (area just below the knee)

• 5% on the feet in the stirrups (across the ball of your foot, not your toes)

This distribution ensures you’re centred, stable, able to move with your horse, not against them and promotes rider position stacking.

Why So Much Weight on the Pelvis?

Your pelvis is the anchor point in the saddle. With 70% of your weight here, you’re able to maintain a deep and secure seat, offering clarity in your aids and stability even when your horse changes pace or direction. This heavy focus on the pelvis also frees up your legs and feet to offer subtle cues, rather than gripping or bracing.

Inner Thighs: The Gentle Embrace

The inner thighs carry 20% of your weight, gently hugging the saddle without squeezing. This contact keeps your position secure and helps you follow your horse’s movement, but too much pressure can cause tension and block your hips from moving freely.

Lightness in the Leg and Foot

With only 5% of your weight on the top back of your calf and 5% in the feet, your lower leg should feel light—think “toes up” or “foot light” rather than heels down and braced. The foot should simply rest in the stirrup, not push down heavily. This lightness allows for quick, effective aids and keeps your position relaxed and responsive.

What Happens When the Balance Is Off?

Too Much Weight in the Stirrups or Calves

If you jam your weight into your feet or calves, you’ll likely pop out of the saddle, losing the deep connection you need. This can tip you forward, making you less stable and causing your horse to hollow their back or rush. Too much pressure here can also “lock” your joints, making it hard for you to follow the horse’s movement and diminishing the effectiveness of your aids.

Too Much Grip with the Thighs

Squeezing the saddle with your thighs, rather than gently resting, can lead to tension in your hips and pelvis. This restricts your ability to move with your horse, often making your seat less effective and your aids less clear. The horse may feel “blocked” and struggle to engage their back and hindquarters.

Neglecting the Pelvis

When the pelvis isn’t carrying its fair share, riders often find themselves perched, unstable, and reliant on their legs or feet for security. This can unbalance the horse, make your aids less clear, and reduce your ability to absorb movement comfortably.

Impact on Horse Mechanics

The horse is incredibly sensitive to the rider’s weight distribution. Too much weight in the stirrups, thighs, or calves can restrict the horse’s movement, cause tension, or even discomfort. Horses may become resistant, lose rhythm, or develop evasions such as hollowing their back, rushing, becoming heavy in the hand or even stop.

By following the 7-point seat, you allow your horse to move freely underneath you. Your balanced seat acts as a stable platform, so your horse can lift their back, engage their core, and step through from behind. This not only makes for a more comfortable ride, but also supports your horse’s long-term soundness and performance.

Takeaway: Think Light, Stay Centred

Next time you’re in the saddle, focus on letting your pelvis do the heavy lifting, keeping your thighs soft, and your feet light—imagine “toes up” and a feather touch in the stirrups. The 7-point seat isn’t just a technical checklist; it’s a pathway to better riding, happier horses, and a partnership that feels effortless. Give it a go on your next ride and feel the difference for yourself!