What is the center of gravity?
In horsemanship, the center of balance of a horse is a position on the horse’s back which correlates closely to the center of gravity of the horse itself. The term may also refer to the horse’s center of gravity.
For the best performance by the horse, as well as for better balance of the rider, the rider must be positioned over the center of balance of the horse. The location of the horse’s center of balance depends on a combination of speed and degree of collection.
This center of gravity point can also be manipulated, for example when a horse is stationary the center is approx around the heart and below the wither. If the horse however raises their head the center of gravity goes backwards. If the head is then lowered the center of gravity moves forwards.
