correct rider position

Question
Hi~  We recently bought our first riding horse, and were wondering if you knew of any exercises for riders to keep good postition.  We so far have only found things like riding without stirrups, reins, etc.  Another thing is if you could tell me a little about getting a horse with a hard mouth to get softer?  Is that even possible?  See, the horse we bought is a horse for me and my sister while we are just learning how to ride.  However, the horse was ridden by small children back in the day, and has become moderatly hard mouthed.  Any suggestions?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Christy,
  So sorry it took so long to answer your question.  I had thought i'd already answered it, but apparently not.

  My advice to you to keep a good position, is to remember the main rules.  Look up, shoulders back, back straight, knees bent, and heels down.  Keep the ear, shoulder, hip and heel vertical and in line.  Without going into long drawn out explanations of other techniques you can use, I will suggest to you, a very good book, called "Centered Riding"  it's by an author called Sally Swift.  She uses great analogies that make alot of sense to all levels of riders.  I'm certain it will help you to understand balance and how to ride with your horse.

  A horse that has been deemed having a hard mouth, is basically just a horse that is very good at getting the rider into a game of tug of war.  Plain and simply just don't play the game.  Always think of riding your horse diagonally, ie...don't stop him with both reins at the same time, etc...never pull constantly on the reins, and don't hold him up while riding...The concept is really hard to put into practise at first, because of course you will want to be able to stop him, the hardest part is to practise stopping without using your reins.  the horse should react to the movement of your body and not the pull of the reins.  try first at the walk, to move with your horse while he's moving and then when you want him to stop, stop your body movements at the same time saying "HO!" Stiffen up the whole body and he will feel the difference, if he doesn't respond to this, then take the reins up and do the same thing, repeating the command with your muscle tensing.  Eventually you will not need your reins for stopping, and then they can be used for the purpse that they are intended (to guide the horses direction).  I'd be happy to help you along the way with your horse, so please update on your progress!  Thanx again for the question!
Cathy