OEP 26: Got Seat? Rider Biomechanics and Equitation Science with Erica Poseley

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, rider biomechanics expert Erica Poseley reflects on her journey with horses and the 'corner turners' who have shaped her approach to riding, training and teaching. Erica emphasizes the importance of understanding horse behavior and how they learn, as well as the significance of the rider’s position–no matter the discipline or goal! 

About Erica: 

Erica Poseley is a Rider Biomechanics expert with a diploma in Equitation Science from Equitation Science International. Erica's journey to becoming an expert in these fields began long before her work in rider biomechanics and equitation science. Erica has been riding since she was very young, but never had a formal riding lesson until she graduated from UCLA with a degree in philosophy and moved to Maui, Hawaii. There she started dressage lessons and bought her first horse after seeing a book in the Lahaina Library entitled My Horses, My Teachers by Podhajsky the former head of the Spanish Riding School. She was mesmerized by the beauty of the riders and the horses and this love of correct dressage training and beautiful posture still motivates her daily to ride correctly and teach others to uphold this high standard of excellence. 

Fast forward and Erica moved to California to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional trainer. She apprenticed with the late Liz Searle and Jeff Moore and also got to ride with The Baron von Blixen Finecke, an Olympic gold medalist, who was a great influencer in how Erica thinks of training and posture. 

Fast forward a bit more and Erica started working with another wonderful teacher, Sandy Howard, who then introduced her to Mary Wanless. Erica has been studying with Mary for the last 30 years and is an accredited Ride with Your Mind coach. Needless to say, Mary has been a huge influence in her knowledge of rider biomechanics. Through Mary and her top coach, Ali Wakelin, Erica heard about the work of Dr. Andrew McLean. Dr. McLean is one of the founding fathers of equitation science. Equitation science is the application of scientific principles, particularly learning theory, to understand and improve interactions between horses and humans. 

In 2019, Erica earned her diploma in equitation science from Equitation Science International and since then, she's been passionate about sharing this transformative knowledge with riders and coaches. What makes Erica's approach unique is how she combines the science of how horses learn with the biomechanics of effective riding, creating a powerful foundation for clear, humane communication between horse and rider. 

You can learn more about Erica and her work at www.gotseat.com

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

14:30 Training with Masters

17:19 The Importance of Rider Biomechanics

19:36 Understanding Rider Influence

22:47 The Journey into Equitation Science

25:25 Learning Theory and Horse Training

28:07 Precision in Communication with Horses

30:59 The Complexity of Training Aids

33:35 The Evolution of Riding Techniques

35:52 Understanding Light Pressure in Riding

37:11 Behavioral Insights from Equine Studies

39:02 Interpreting Horse Behavior and Needs

43:28 Addressing High Pressure in Horses

45:52 Defining Good Horsemanship

49:02 Eternal Passion and Learning

51:09 The Journey of Improvement

54:05 Connecting Riding and Skiing

56:49 The Disconnect in Horse Training

59:44 Coaching and Responsibility

01:01:50 Corner Turners: Influential Figures in Riding

01:10:13 Integrating Biomechanics and Equitation Science

01:14:51 Understanding Horse Learning and Rider Communication

01:16:34 The Emotional Spectrum in Horse Training

01:21:10 Wishes for the Future of Equestrian Education

01:25:28 Advocating for Horse Welfare and Modern Training Practices