10/31/2026
Your pelvis is NOT a tripod. Riders are often taught to distribute their weight between three points: their two seat bones and p***c bone. But anatomically and medically, why would we encourage sustained high pressure towards the p***c arch?
The seat bones are the primary skeletal weight-bearing structures when sitting. The p***c arch is not a broad sitting surface, and it’s not just the bone we need to consider.
The perineum is the area between the p***c symphysis (p***c bone), coccyx and seat bones. It contains muscles, connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels, including branches of the pudendal nerve. Sustained high pressure in this region can compress sensitive tissues, potentially affecting circulation and sensation.
In cycling and ergonomic research, reducing excessive perineal pressure is an important consideration in seat design. Yet in horse riding, we’re often taught to deliberately distribute weight onto a third anterior point, while other disciplines are investigating ways to reduce pressure in this region.
Cycling research has demonstrated how sustained perineal compression can affect circulation and ge***al sensation. Pain, numbness and altered ge***al sensation can be associated with perineal pressure or nerve irritation. Bleeding, ge***al discomfort and pelvic floor symptoms are also regularly reported by riders.
If a rider is consistently loading towards the p***c arch, we need to ask why.
❓Is it because that’s what they’ve been taught?
❓Is their pelvis tilted too far forwards, making it difficult to maintain a position where the seat bones provide the primary support?
❓Is the pommel too high, or is the saddle shape unsuitable?
The aim is to support body weight predominantly through the seat bones, while allowing the pelvis to move and respond to the horse.
It’s not about sitting on three points. It’s about understanding how weight is transferred through the two seat bones, without deliberately maintaining high pressure on sensitive anterior tissues.
🔗 Riding Ready
