It really shouldn't be that difficult but if your saddle doesn't put you in the correct position it is an uphill battle. If your body is crooked then you haven't a hope of sitting and riding straight. Not all crookedness problems are the horse's.
Look at your self in a mirror. With clothes on works. Check the waist, shoulders, hands where they end, knees, ears. If you have anything that is off the horizontal you are affecting the horse.
Bowen Therapy, Alexander Technique, Physiotherapist can all help with your imbalances and stiffness.
Pilates yoga is also good for strength building and suppleness. Just don't cheat..try too hard to get further because that is when you get out of alignment.
You really do have to ride with a straight line from ear, shoulders, hips, heels. It matters to the horse.
A riding instructor that focuses on the position of the rider will also improve the horse. Watch George Morris, or read his writings. He focuses on the rider. Conrad Schumacher, focuses on the rider. These two men are very well known for the success of their students. Do you think rider position is important?
It is the signals the rider gives that affect the horse. It isn't a chicken and egg question.
If you are straight, physically, on the ground. Then you can look at your saddle. People come in many different body styles. The saddle you use should be comfortable and put you in the correct position. It should also be comfortable for the horse.
Signs of saddle discomfort for the horse
head up, back dropped: all the time, in certain paces or activities, during transitions
head tossing, tail swishing, pinned ears, won't let you mount (it isn't a training issue it is the horse talking to you), sensitive back (grooming or saddling up), doesn't like the girth being done up, laying down when you mount
Signs of saddle discomfort for the rider
pushing back to the canter
leaning forward
unable to sit the trot or canter (also stiffness in rider's hips)
wiggling
panty line pain
bladder infections
sore back (rider's)
tire easily
Signs that the saddle doesn't fit the rider
feet in front of knees (chair seat)
feet swing back too far
feeling enclosed (too small, no room to move)
too much room
Classical riding focuss on the rider, with the welfare of the horse being important.
More reading
Jochen Schleese's website, "Suffering in Silence" (book)
Susanne von Dietz's books, articles, columns
Eckart Meyners' books
Dr. Gerd Heuschmann's books
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