What is the best way to evaluate a participant's posture?

Evaluating a participant's posture from all angles is essential for a comprehensive assessment. Each perspective can reveal different aspects of posture that could impact the participant's balance, alignment, and overall riding effectiveness.

Viewing a participant from the front allows observation of shoulder alignment, head position, and any asymmetries in the upper body. Evaluating from the back can show back alignment, the position of the hips, and symmetrical muscular development. The side view is crucial for assessing the head, neck, and spine alignment, as well as the angle of the knees and legs during movement.

By assessing posture from all angles, an instructor can gain a complete understanding of the participant's strengths and areas for improvement, which is vital for developing an appropriate riding program tailored to their needs. This holistic view allows for better identification of any postural issues that may need to be addressed through therapeutic riding.