How to develop balance and coordination while riding - Part 1

Balance and coordination is an extremely important part of riding. It helps keep to keep the rider safe, it improves the student's seat, cues, and the bond between student and horse. It also makes it much more enjoyable to ride, due to the fact that you're not stressing so much anymore! Here are exercises to help you improve your balance and coordination.

Rising to the trot without stirrups

Why this helps: It helps with balance not to mention that it strengthens the core and thigh muscles

Please Note: Only do this in moderation and for only a quick amount of time, as it is tough on the rider's body.
How to: Take your feet out of the stirrups, cross them over the front of the saddle, or remove them.
Establish an active sitting trot. Raise your toes slightly, keeping your knees flexed and close to the saddle in order to develop a deep and secure seat. Do not grip. With that in mind, allow the upward push of the horse's back to initiate each upward and forward rising movement of your hips, moreover, take care that you don't lock through your hips as you reach the highest point of your rise.
After a few strides, return to a sitting trot, taking care not to slump as you do so. When you are ready, try a few more strides.
If done a few times a day, your seat will improve drastically and you will feel full of confidence when you show off to your friends ;)

Riding bareback

Why this helps:  The rider will not only become more in tune mentally and physically with their horse, but the heat of his body will also relax the rider's thigh muscles, resulting in a relaxed seat.

Please note: Use a well-trained pony, in other words, calm and steady.
How to: Sit slightly further than you would in the saddle, just behind the withers.
Spend a minute or two at the halt, simply getting used to the feel of it. It might be helpful if a friend is leading your horse.
When you feel ready, move off into a comfortable walk, noting the movement you can feel through your legs. Note not only the movement in his back but also in his ribcage, shoulder, and neck. Try a couple of turns and circles (try using your seat and legs to turn him instead of using your reins), feeling how his rib cage and your legs come more into contact and how this affect your straightness.
Vary the speed of the walk and add a few strides of trot in between.