To do Seat Program 1 you need to have a couple of things in order: a horse, a helper, a place to practice and proper equipment.

The horse

The horse should be a full grown horse (minimum 7-8 years), so that all its body parts have finished growing. The horse should be comfortable with cooperating with your chosen helper, and showing comfort with you on its back. The horse should be able to stop and start and show relaxation in walk and standing still. If your horse is very impatient about standing still and being led it is not recommended to use it for Seat Program 1.

Saddle

You can do Seat Program 1 with or without a saddle - instructions will be given for both options. What is important to remember is that if you use a saddle it should be a saddle with a tree (in Swedish: en sadel med bom, alltså inte en bomlös sadel). This is because we do a lot of exercises standing up in the stirrups, and to do that in a saddle without a tree hurts the horse’s back. It is absolutely possible to stand up or use a light seat bareback, without stirrups (only using your muscles!), and instructions will be given for that. If you use a saddle - make sure that it fits the horse well, and it is good to use a soft material underneath. ​

The helper

You need a person that is calm and confident while leading or lungeing this horse. The helper will also read instructions to you from a pdf, but it is important that the helper doesn’t guide your thoughts and feelings or instruct you themselves, but rather stay neutral.

The place

Choose a place where the horse is calm and you don’t get disturbed. It is not recommended to use a riding arena where a lot of other things are going on at the same time.  Exercises that are done without horse you can do anywhere, even in the stable.

Your clothing

You don’t need any special clothing, as long as it is comfortable. 

Head Gear

You can choose for the helper to lunge or lead you. If you have chosen to be led, even a stable halter could be fine. If you have chosen to be longed, it would be recommended to use a cavesson. In Seat Program 1 we don't manipulate the horse’s body at all, except for helping it to stay balanced on the track and in contact and communication - all focus in this program is on the rider. Fixed reins are not to be used during Seat Program 1. You can add reins, but let them hang loose to give the horse space while still giving the rider a sense of safety.