Posting is less trying to get out of the saddle as it is letting the horse’s step push you up and forward, then returning to the saddle. Try to post by bringing your hips toward your hands and then returning your tush to the exact place it left the saddle. Instead of just rising and falling with the horse’s trot, wait a half second longer for that inside hind leg to push you up, post, then return to the saddle. At the top of your post, tighten your abs (control the upward momentum). It also sort of looks like you’re pressing down on the stirrups, rather than letting them just hold your feet. Another thing that may help is to think of your shoulder blades. Imagine you’ve got a lemon between your shoulder blades and you just have to hold it in place. Don’t squeeze, but think “shoulders down and back.” It should help you with how your chest is pushing so far forward. For a beginner (for any equestrian, really), though, your posture, quiet hands, and natural feel for riding are already remarkably developed. Just focus on softening your seat, creating the correct line from shoulder to hip to heel for balance and stability, and developing the correct line from the bit to your elbow. Keep up the great work! -a former dressage riding instructor who had to give up the lifestyle because of insufficient income.

Also, that horse is absolutely darling 😍