Two Point with Archie Cox

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Whether you're a jumper rider or a Dressage rider, two point can be a really useful position to encourage your horse to move forward and to give them more freedom in their back. I frequently use two-point position when I am cantering on a young horse or sometimes in the warm-up with my FEI horses to get them looser and more forward. Even in two-point, it's important that you are balanced and with the motion of your horse.

What is two-point? Two-point (as opposed to three-point riding) is when your seat is NOT in contact with the saddle. The two points of contact with your horse are your two legs. It is most common to ride two point in the canter. To find the two-point position, think of the “up” position in posting trot - this is more or less your two-point position although you will have a bit more angle in your hip.

I am not an expert in two-point, so in this week's video, we will be talking with the renowned hunter-jumper trainer, Archie Cox, about how to stay balanced and with the motion of your horse when you are in two-point. Whether you are in two-point or three-point position, you want to be with your horse’s motion, because it makes it so much easier for them to carry us, use their topline correctly, and perform what we ask.

In two-point, Archie points out that many riders make the mistake of leaning too far forward and getting "ahead of the motion" of their horse. Bad things happen when you get ahead of the motion. When you are ahead of the motion, it is hard to feel your horse and they can easily duck out from under you. You either want to be with the motion or behind the motion, but not in front of the motion.

I hope that you enjoy this video, and even if you’re not a hunter-jumper rider, try a little two point in your next ride and I think that you will find Archie’s tips helpful!
 
Happy Riding!
Amelia

00:00 Introduction
01:43 When to Use Two-Point
06:44 Why Rider Position is Important/Closing Thoughts