My lesson on Saturday, my instructor had me doing 10 meter circles with her in the center, doing leg yields in toward her, and leg yields away from her.
I can't remember which posting diagonal was correct for moving away from her, and which was correct when I was moving toward her..but she was having me switch diagonals when I would come in, and switch when I went out (going in the same direction, so for one--whether it was in our out I can't remember--she would have me switch to the wrong diagonal). I should have asked her why, but didn't because I was so focused at the moment. So...what is the purpose of switching like this?
I know the reason we post on the outside diagonal is with an inside bend the outside of the horse lengthens and the inside is shortened. The inside hind leg bears more weight and the outside takes a bigger step. When you are posting on the correct diagonal for a turn, you are rising as his inside hind leg comes forward, to take a little weight off of the leg that is already bearing more weight. My guess is that you were rising with the outside fore while you were going out and rising with the inside fore while coming back in?
While posting/leg yielding, I used my seat. She had me exaggerate the weight shift by looking toward the corresponding front hoof depending on which direction I was yielding too..it is a very exaggerated, but I am new to dressage and it did an excellent job of teaching me how sensitive my horse is to my weight shifting in the saddle. Remember, I am new to dressage (about 2 months now) and sitting the trot and not hurting my horse is difficult for me right now. I believe this is why she had me do this exercises sitting only for part of it, posting in the beginning. She is a GP level rider, and has been classically trained, I am sure she knows what she is doing...If she asks me to post, I post. Baby steps for me right now.
My instructor didn't call it the wrong or right diagonal, she referred to it as the inside or outside diagonal. I referred to it as the wrong diagonal here inorder to describe what I was doing Spyder.
She did have me sit the trot during too. However at first I was posting. Just was wondering why you would switch..but thanks for your helpful response. Posted via Mobile Device
Never seen anyone switch diagonals for a leg yield, but when you think about it, it makes sense, as it would allow more freedom through that shoulder.. And should they be switching their bend around the leg that's pushing them away... I'm confusing myself now!!
A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!