Sitting trot
All of us have listened to that endless "one - two, one - two" and dreamed to be allowed to trot sitting. And then this big day arrived, the dream appeared to be a curse. And then, our instructors began to ask for the sitting trot more and more. So here you have my top tips how to stop endlessly bouncing and enjoy this pace quietly in the saddle.
| Problem | What's wrong | Solve it! |
|---|---|---|
| When I start to bounce, I bounce more and more until I'm practically not in the saddle. | Bouncing scares you, and the more you bounce, the more your muscles tense, and the more they tense, the more you bounce. | Begin in a slow walk. Relax, lower your heels. Ask your horse for a slow and relaxed trot, relax yourself too. If you need too, grab a handful of mane to help you feel safe. |
| I manage to sit quietly, but I cannot lower my heels. They go up with my entire lower legs. | You don't bounce not because you relax and follow your horse's movements, but because you try to keep yourself in the saddle using your lower legs. | Relax and lower your heels. Don't worry if you bounce at the start - here the most important part is that you relax and sit in the saddle, not "hug" your horse with your legs. |
Other tips
- Keep your weight in your heels so you bounce less.
- Look up - it's basic rule whatever you do, from jumping to walking.
- Keep your legs near your horse's flanks - not "hug" him, but let him know you are there.