What is a hunter half seat?

Question

is a half seat like when you just lean forward a bit? And whats the purpose of it? i thought it was like what you do before you jump ya know? Can someone please explain?

Answer 1

below is the definition of the half-seat.  also, i just wanted to clarify that two-point and half seat are not just about "leaning forward."  Many people who are learning to jump make that mistake.  In two-point, you move your butt back and tilt your body forward, flattening your back.  Many people lean forward and stand in the stirrups, but it is more complicated than that.  If you just lean forward, you will not be correctly balanced.

correct 2-point http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44... She is correctly balanced and flat

incorrect http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ym0oa8e9NP0/SBu5aY... -- she is just standing in stirrups and leaning forward.

Half-Seat in Canter

In a half-seat position, the rider's seat bones are lifted out of the saddle, and only her pelvis has contact. It is used for jumping when some seat aid may be necessary, especially for sharp turns, when riding downhills, on the approach to potentially spooky fences, or when the rider wishes to collect the stride. This seat is a compromise, allowing the jumping rider to have greater control than when he rides in two-point, but still allowing him to keep the majority of weight off the horse's back.

Half-seat is often seen in hunt seat, show jumping, fox hunting, eventing (jumping phases), and at times in dressage for training purposes, to help lighten the horse's back.

The rider in half-seat should have almost the same body position as one who sits the canter, except the shoulders are inclined slightly forward, and the pelvis is rotated forward, keeping the seat bones free of the saddle. The rider should still keep the hip angle nicely open, and the lower back soft.

There is disagreement about the use of the term "three point" position. Some scholars use this term to describe the half-seat, others use it to describe a rider sitting all the way down in the saddle. Conversely, some instructors use the term "half seat" to describe a full two-point jumping seat.

Answer 2

1/2 seat is where you ride lightly in the saddle.  its 1/2 way in between 2 point(jumpers position) and sitting deep in the saddle.  i do it when i'm doing courses like around the turns and stuff