Spot the Difference: How SymmFit Tops Support Rider Alignment and Reveal Hidden Imbalances
- Jennifer Symms
- Jun 21
- 4 min read
In riding, the smallest imbalance can affect your aids, your horse’s response, and your overall effectiveness in the saddle. Many riders feel that something is off - but struggle to see what’s causing it.
Our tops and jodhpurs are designed not just for comfort and style, but to improve rider biomechanics by making your posture, alignment, and movement patterns easier to see and correct - both on the ground and in the saddle.
Here’s how SymmFit clothing helps you spot - and fix - both the obvious and subtle issues affecting your riding.
What Is Rider Biomechanics and Why Does It Matter?
Rider biomechanics refers to how your body moves, balances, and interacts with your horse. It includes your rider posture, how evenly you apply aids, and how symmetrically you absorb movement.
When biomechanics are off , even slightly, it can lead to inconsistent cues, reduced performance, and frustration for both horse and rider.
That’s where SymmFit comes in - clothing designed specifically to help you and your coach see what’s going on with your body in motion.
How SymmFit Clothing Makes Your Rider Alignment Visible
SymmFit tops and jodhpurs combine visual alignment markers with strategically placed seams and color panels. These elements act like movement mirrors, highlighting key areas of rider alignment and making postural issues easier to spot.
They’re especially helpful in video reviews, simulator sessions, or any moment when you want precise feedback on your riding position.
The Power of the Vertical Line: Are You Centred?
One of the most obvious features of a SymmFit top is the vertical lines down the back . This gives you an immediate sense of whether you're sitting straight and aligned with the horse’s spine.
Is your spine truly centred in the saddle? Or are you subtly shifted or collapsed through one side or leaning without realising?
These visual cues are incredibly useful in rider sessions and when analysing your own ride footage - helping you translate what you feel into what you can see.
Identifying Shoulder and Elbow Asymmetries
Small asymmetries in shoulder or elbow height can have a big effect on rider posture and rein contact.
Thanks to the contrast panels and stitching, SymmFit tops show whether:
Your shoulders are level
One elbow flares more than the other
Your reins pull unevenly from side to side
These visual details help you improve rider alignment and maintain a more balanced, consistent connection with your horse.
Here you can clearly see that the pink lines are not vertical and that the blue line and logo on the jodhpurs is not in the central in the saddle. You can see the blue pocket lines on the jodhpurs are again off centre.
Spotting Rotation and Subtle Twists
Many riders twist more to one side than the other and it can be quite subtle to see. Over-rotation in the torso can confuse your aids, unbalance your seat, and even lead to soreness or overuse injuries over time.
With SymmFit clothing, rotation becomes more obvious using the colour panels and lines.
The blue on the outside of the sleeve and pink on the waist of the top show the body is rotated to the left.
Why This Matters for Riders, Coaches, and Physios
Whether you're on the simulator, in a lesson, or filming your ride, SymmFit clothing helps everyone involved speak the same language.
Coaches can point to visual markers when giving feedback. Physios can track progress between sessions. Riders can finally see what they’ve been struggling to feel.
That clarity can fast-track progress, boost confidence, and support safer, more effective riding.
Why It’s Important to Compare Both Sides
But one photo only tells part of the story.
To truly understand your rider biomechanics, it's essential to take photos or stills from a video that captures both the left and right sides of the horses stride , ideally at walk and trot as well as a canter on both reins.
That’s because most asymmetries are dynamic, not just static. They show up differently depending on direction, gait, balance, and even the horse’s movement. You might sit perfectly centred on one rein, but twist or collapse on the other without realising.
Capturing and comparing both sides allows you to:
See inconsistencies in how your body moves left vs. right
Notice patterns like over-rotation, shoulder drop, or uneven elbow height
Get a clearer picture of which issues are habit-based and which are movement-triggered
When paired with the vertical line and design markers on a SymmFit top, these photos become incredibly powerful feedback tools — giving you and your coach or physio the ability to track changes and make informed corrections.
The left photo shows the riders movement when horse moves over to the left and the right photo from the right stride. Both photos taken from a video in quick succession and this was just in a straight line - on a real horse this difference would likely be more noticeable.
Stylish Meets Scientific: SymmFit for Biomechanical Feedback
Too much equestrian clothing hides the very thing you’re trying to fix - poor rider posture or unclear rider alignment. SymmFit is different.
Lightweight, breathable fabric for all-day comfort
Smart seam placement for accurate visual tracking
Available in colours that highlight contrast, not hide it
It’s the perfect blend of fashion and function - made for real riders who want to improve, not just look the part.
Ready to See the Difference for Yourself?
Head over to the shop to browse the clothes and read the rider reviews. Whether you’re a beginner working on balance or an advanced rider fine-tuning your aids, SymmFit clothing is here to help you move better, ride better, and feel more in control.
Because better biomechanics start with better awareness.
Comments