We all strive for the perfect distance.

We practise perfect equitation/body alignment.

We use grids...we use trotting poles...we practise our two point position for hours.

I hear coaches tell student to move on the horse/slow down the horse,...curve your broken line....hold for three allow for three....all in the name of the perfect spot.

I will hear a coach comment..."you had a long spot....you need to add move leg to move him…

It is commonly heard in almost every lesson or at every warm up ring at shows.

"Get those shoulders back...or point the toes up"

I find this particular articulation to be misleading to the rider.

When a rider "brings the shoulders back" they generally believe the coach wants them to bring the shouldes back by engaging the muscles along that run along the spine while wrapping the shoulder blades around an imaginary fist to bring the upper body back…