The rising trot is a riding technique used in English-style horse riding, whereby the rider rises from the saddle in time with the horse's gait.The rider can't be put under pressure on the horse's back during the trot.Even though it may feel unnatural at first, the rising trot becomes much easier with practice and is even easier than sitting the trot.The first step is to learn how to post correctly.
Step 1: Understand how posting is done.
The main reason to post is to avoid being thrown around in the saddle during a bumpy trot.The rider is more comfortable on the horse's back.It is possible to change the horse's rhythm simply by posting more quickly or slowly once you become more experienced with the rising trot.Sometimes the horse will change his rhythm to match your own, thus eliminating the need for hand and leg signals.
Step 2: Understand diagonals.
Urge your horse to forward trot.Look at the horse's strides and notice how the trot has two beats.It's good.This will help you understand how posting works.During a trot, the horse's left hind leg and right front leg move at the same time.The simultaneous movement of diagonal front and back legs is what riders are talking about.Your rising trot will be influenced by these diagonals.When the outside hind leg and inside front leg are moving forward, the rider will rise from his/her seat.The horse's inside hind leg is what propels him forward.If you rise out of your seat while this leg is moving, you will encourage the horse to stretch the leg further under his body and produce a more effective stride.It can be difficult to tell which diagonal your horse is on.You can watch your horse's outside shoulder.As his shoulder moves back and forth, you should rise out of your seat.A piece of colored tape or a bandage should be put on the horse's shoulder if the movement is hard to pin down.It's easier to see the movement.
Step 3: You should use your thigh muscles to post, not your legs.
If you start posting your legs will be sore but you will gain thigh muscles over time.
Step 4: Take the reins so you can see the horse's mouth.
Don't pull back, instead hold the horse's hand and remove your elbow from your body.
Step 5: Post forward and up at the same time.
As you rise, gliding up into the space between your hands is what you should do.Your back should be straight, with your chest up.As you go down, sit in the saddle for a while as you rise again.The entire movement of posting should be very upward based, and when your seat touches the saddle you should immediately rise again.Sitting straight up and down will cause you to lose your rhythm.If you stand up straight in the stirrups, your legs will shoot forward, throwing you off balance.Rise straight up will cause you to land heavily in the saddle, which puts pressure on the horses back and defeats the purpose of posting.You should try to move forwards and backwards as this is a more organic movement.If your horse's outer front leg goes forward, you should move your pelvis to the top of the pommel.To clear the saddle, you should only rise an inch or two from your seat.Your legs don't come into the equation when you use your feet to propel yourself.Place your knees on the ground and squeeze your thigh muscles to remove the saddle.When you rise out of your seat, lean forwards at a 30 degree angle.This will allow the horse to trot better because you will be able to move more naturally.In dressage, the shoulders stay straight in line with the hips.As the horse's outside shoulder moves back, sit down softly in the saddle.
Step 6: When you change rein, change your diagonal.
You will have to change your posting rhythm when you change rein because your horse's hind leg and front leg will switch diagonals.To change diagonals, remain seated for one extra stride, so when you rise from your seat, it will be in sync with the forward motion of your horse's inner hind leg and outer front leg.Instead of doing up, down, up you will do up.It's easy once you get used to it.The horse has no "inner" or "outer" legs outside of the arena, so you don't need to worry about changing diagonals.You can decide to switch sides as often as you like, as this gives you a good chance to practice posting and changing diagonals.
Step 7: Don't sit too much.
It's a problem for riders new to the rising trot to sit down too heavily.It can cause him to shorten his stride and throw him off balance.If you are moving forwards and backwards instead of straight up and down, you should be able to avoid a heavy landing.If you want to move naturally with the horse, you need to make sure that your knees are soft.
Step 8: Make sure your legs are positioned correctly.
If your legs are two far forwards, you will end up leaning backwards and if you are too far back, that is not ideal for the posting trot.If you want your back to stay in the correct position, keep your legs at the middle of the horse.Involuntary leg movements, which are common while posting, can give the horse mixed signals as he thinks you are kicking him or urging him forwards.These movements are usually caused by your lower legs being too loose.Keeping your calves pressed against your horse's barrel will help you combat this.
Step 9: Keep your eyes open.
Many riders become so absorbed with matching their movement to the horse's that they forget to keep track of their surroundings.This is a hard habit to break.If you're less aware of what's going on around you, you will also be more inclined to slump your shoulders forward, which will affect your posture and ability to post.Pick a point to look at, whether it's the top of the trees or a nearby roof, if you want to get out of this habit.This will teach you how to time your rising trot through feel alone, rather than by sight.
Step 10: Keep your hands and arms straight.
Many riders have a tendency to bounce their hands and arms as they post.It confuses your aiding system and is incorrect as it affects your contact with the horse.As your body moves forwards and backwards, try to keep your hands and arms in the same position.Imagine your hips moving as you rise.