by L Hurley

Created on: March 09, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Sitting in the saddle for long periods of trotting is exceptionally tiring not only for the rider, but for your horse as well. Learning to post to the trot benefits horses and riders on the long trails as well as the beginner rider just getting the feel for this bouncy two-beat gait.

In the trot the horse moves opposite diagonal legs together and springs from one pair of diagonals to the other. This springing action is what causes the bounce and until you get used to it prepare to be bounced around a little. The bouncing can often also cause your hands to move so when learning to trot it is best to use a thin strap buckled around your horse's neck to prevent any unintentional jerking on its mouth.

To move from walk to trot first take hold of the neck strap, then close the inside of your legs against your horse's sides, try to maintain your balance as he moves forward. As you get your balance you will notice you are not just randomly being bounced around but there is a rhythm to the bounce. Count with the rhythm, one two, one two. Don't be embarrassed to count out loud, we've all done it, it helps to solidify the beat in your mind.

The posting action is always maintained in time with this rhythm. On the one beat you will post, on the two beat, sit back again. You should not stand up in the stirrups, instead think of swinging your hips forward. As you swing your hips forward your seat will rise from the saddle by no more than an inch, as you swing back your seat will return to the saddle. Forward on the one beat, backward on the two.

You may at first post in time for only a few steps before losing the beat and bouncing for a couple of steps, this is perfectly normal and you are well on your way to mastering the technique. It won't be long before you are keeping time all the way down the long side of the arena. Once you have mastered the rhythm on a straight line you can begin to select the diagonal on which you post.

When moving on a circle you should post as the horse's outside lead leg moves forward. This helps the horse maintain its balance and over time you will be able to feel the difference, posting on the correct diagonal will be much smoother than the incorrect diagonal. Until this feeling is developed a quick look at the horse's shoulder will tell you which leg is moving forward.

If you are on a clockwise circle, or right rein, take a quick look at the left shoulder, as you see it move forward swing your hips forward with it then maintain the rhythm, forward on one, back on two. Diagonals are only important on a circle, in a straight line it makes no difference which diagonal you choose. If however, you are out on that long trail ride it pays to switch diagonals every now and then to ensure your horse's comfort.

To change diagonals, sit for two beats instead of one. Until now you have been posting on one and sitting on two, one two, one two, now you must double the two beat. One two, one two two, one two, and you will be posting on the opposite diagonal. A good way to practice changing diagonals is by trotting a figure eight. As you pass though the middle of the 8 sit for two beats and change diagonal for the new direction.

The trot can often be the most difficult gait for beginners to learn, once mastered however posting to the trot not only makes it more comfortable it can also help develop the feel for the horse's rhythm necessary to move on to the canter.

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