How to ride in a TCS

Riding in the TCS can feel quite daunting at first but you quickly get used to it (and it even gets addictive!) Here are a few tips to help you with your first few rides.

You can mount from the ground (although for the sake of your horses’ back, we would not recommend this whatever saddle you use). It will be a bit harder to mount using a TCS from the ground as it doesn't have a pommel or cantle to hold onto, so you’ll need to be quite nimble!

Once you are on board, you will easily find your natural position. If you have placed the saddle in the right place, you should be sitting directly above your saddle, roughly where you would sit if riding bareback. Let your legs drape down the girth line to find your balance. This may feel odd at first if you have been used to a saddle and knee rolls, but you will soon get used to this feeling and will enjoy the freedom to move.

There are a few things you can try as you get used to your saddle. Try standing in your stirrups at a halt and find your balance, and if your horse is sensible enough do the same in walk and maybe even trot; this will help you find your balance and natural seat. Another great exercise is to ride with no stirrups at a walk and really move your hips along with your horse's movement.

Remeber that the whole point of the TCS is to be closer to your horse. You will “feel” your horse so he may feel more spooky, but that is because you can now feel his muscles respond more quickly than in a traditional saddle. It might feel like you are riding a new horse for a few rides, so take your time to get used to the feeling and find your balance.

You will probably find that your horse responds to your aids much better in the TCS, and this once again because you are sitting in much closer contact to your horse. Some TCS riders refer to this as 'power-steering' for your horse, you can get much lighter with your aids, using your gaze and your body weight alone, and still be understood by your horse.

Although you have the security of your stirrups, the TCS encourages you to engage your core when riding. Often, riders note that the TCS highlights their failings and imbalances as a rider and... this is true! But what a wonderful opportunity to become a more engaged, connected and effective rider.