Are you struggling to sit to the trot??

OK, try this....

Do the rising trot on a circle Rise, Sit, Rise, Sit, Rise, Sit etc…. Ensure the trot isn’t too extravagant, keep it round, connected and through. Think tall and soft with the body, like a tall tree blowing in the wind, breathe out, let your legs lengthen downwards, heels down. toes in. Rise a little lower, allowing your seat half the distance up and forwards…. THEN…. Sit, Sit, Sit, Rise, Sit, Sit, Sit, Rise, Sit, Sit, Sit, Rise…. Alternate your sitting and rising trot, whilst keeping on the correct diagonal. When changing diagonal, go Sit, Sit, Rise once.

This is a FABULOUS exercise to try get you moving with your horse, in balance. You should keep an eye on your horse’s ears and ride this in such a way that he cannot establish whether you are sitting or rising in your trot. The rhythm, connection or roundness should not alter in any way.

To begin with you’ll need to be passive, simply piloting and not affecting the quality of the trot in any way. In time and after practicing this you’ll feel more comfortably “with” your horse. Then when you’re ready, sit with a deeper seat so encouraging the hocks to engage and swing through under further so allowing the trot to become more connected and engaged. Simultaneously, ensure that your hands are raised in front of you as a ‘giving pair’ but with a masterfully elastic connection. The energy will flow ‘in front of the leg’ and, with the correct round outline and length of frame, you’ll be in ‘self carriage’ too.

8s, 9s and 10s all round

A few hours training - doddle!!!