When it comes to long-distance horse riding, balance is one of the most important factors to consider—along with saddle fit and ethical caring capacity. In this final part of our “Big Three” series, we take a closer look at what balance really means for both rider and horse, and how it affects your journey.

To me, balance breaks down into three main areas: Balance of the Rider, Balance of the Horse & Balance of the Gear

1. Rider Balance

Physical Balance: You don’t need to be a master horseman to understand the importance of riding in harmony with your horse. Good rider balance starts with a strong core, flexible hips, and even weight distribution between your seat and thighs. Add in a steady upper body and soft hands, and you’re well on your way. When I ride Tequila, my young horse, I notice how even the slightest shift in my weight affects him. Unlike more seasoned horses, he responds instantly, reminding me how every movement counts. The better I balance myself, the more confidently he moves underneath me.
You can Improve your physical balance with offf-the-horse exercises like yoga, Pilates, or general gymnastics can significantly enhance core strength, body awareness, and flexibility—all essential for riding in sync with your horse.
Mental Balance: Horses are incredibly sensitive to our emotions. If you're nervous, stressed, or fearful, your horse will feel it too. It’s perfectly normal to experience these feelings now and then, but being aware of them is key. When we try to control too much, we end up restricting our horse’s natural movement, which makes it harder for them to stay balanced. Developing mental clarity and calm—perhaps through mindfulness practices or breathing exercises—can help you stay centered and offer a more grounded, reassuring presence to your horse.

**Tip:** Always double-check that your stirrups are the same length. If you consistently mount from one side, your leathers can stretch unevenly—throwing off your balance without you even realizing it.

2. Horse Balance

Body Balance: Most horses have a dominant side, often showing more strength or flexibility in one shoulder over the other. Training should always aim to support and strengthen the weaker side to promote overall symmetry and coordination. This is also something to keep in mind when fitting your saddle—it should sit evenly and support your horse’s movement without restriction.
In addition to regular training, working with professionals such as equine physiotherapists or osteopaths can make a big difference. They can help identify and address muscular imbalances or restrictions that might not be visible to the eye but affect your horse’s performance and comfort. Especially if you're planning a longer ride or starting a more intense training phase, scheduling a check-up can help keep your horse feeling balanced, healthy, and ready to work.
Hoof Balance; Hoof trimming is a topic full of differing opinions, but here’s what I believe: every horse is unique. There’s no magic hoof angle that fits all. Instead, trimming should support your horse’s natural conformation and the way they move. A well-balanced hoof leads to a well-balanced body.
Mental Balance; Just like us, horses need to process their emotions. With the right training—whether it’s groundwork or exposure to new situations—you can help your horse stay calm and focused. Mental stress in horses often leads to physical tension, so creating emotional balance is just as important as physical conditioning.

**Tipp:** For long rides, use a saddle that allows for **adjustment or shimming**. As your horse’s body changes during a journey, so must your saddle setup—failing to do so can cause pain or long-term damage.

3. Gear Balance

Carrying gear evenly is crucial for your horse’s comfort and long-term soundness. Weight should be balanced front to back and side to side. Old Western-style setups are great inspiration: saddlebags on each side of the saddle, a bedroll behind, and coats or blankets draped over the front. Heavier items like canteens should be placed near the front to maintain a stable center of gravity.
We keep our saddlebags small and don’t tie them down tightly—we want them to move with the horse, not against him. Restricting their natural movement creates friction, which can cause irritation over time. At the same time, it’s important to pack everything snugly so nothing rattles, flaps, or flies around.

This system works so well that even at a gallop, nothing shifts out of place—which is exactly why Pete and I use it.
If you’re curious about how to choose and pack saddlebags properly, we’ve written a full blog post on what to consider—it’s worth checking out before your next ride - Saddlebags

Ensure nothing at the rear puts weight on the horse’s spine.
Secure your saddlebags over the saddle horn or cantle.
Less is more—check out our blog post on ethical caring capacity.
Use a **fishing scale** to verify equal saddlebag weights.

Final Thoughts

Balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness. I’ve yet to meet a horse-and-rider team that’s perfectly in sync at all times. But the more you tune in to how your body, your horse, and your gear all work together, the closer you’ll get to that ideal harmony.
Check your saddle fit regularly, keep your gear well-organized, and stay mindful of your own physical and mental state—just as you do for your horse.

Happy trails!

Balance in Long Riding: The Big Three (Part 3)

Ethical Carrying Capacity (The Big Three. Part 2)