A forward stirrup that lets you stay balanced in two-point, by default, must have your feet slightly forward of the ear-hip-ankle alignment when not in two point, right?
Yes
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Yes and no.
With a jumping saddle (forward stirrup bars) if you are sitting in the saddle with SHORT stirrups, and in a “forward seat” position (shoulders slightly in front of hips), you are still pretty well aligned.
But if you have LONG stirrups, and are sitting in a dressage position, the forward stirrup bars will push you into a chair seat, because your center of gravity is behind the stirrups.
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It also really can depend on the level you are riding, and the horse you’re riding. I used an Ainsely Chester on one who had one of thse front ends where there is nothing in front of you - I could show jump in a Prestige with a more upright balance but I needed the Chester on XC to put me in a secure and balanced position. In addition when I felt more secure I was more confident and rode better so it was a win all around. I often felt like my legs were more in front of me but my balance was ‘back’.
