Working Trot - Sitting or posting?

If you're going to sit it, sit it going in and sit it all the way except where the test says to rise.

Keep it simple. There's already plenty to keep straight, don't add to it.

I'd say it depends on how advanced your horse is.

The option of posting at the lower levels is for the horse's benefit. It is easier on the horse's back than sitting, assuming that the horse is young or not so fit as to have someone sitting on it. It gives the young or inexperienced horse an extra chance to become relaxed and bouncy, thus adding to it's score. :)

Okay, thanks mildot! Misunderstood what you guys were saying. I think I'm going to try sitting the trot next time, especially since I'm horrible with diagonals and it will be easier for me if I only had to rise on that one circle.

They don't mark you down in dressage for being on the wrong diagonal ;) I'm surprised no one mentioned this so far. The reason the correct diagonal is important in dressage is because posting on the incorrect diagonal may make the horse appear uneven (which you can be marked down for). But if you have a horse with a steady trot you can post on any diagonal you like (or every diagonal you like; just don't stare down intently trying to figure out your diagonal, you'll probably get marked off for that).

Training Level:* "The purpose of the Training Level Dressage Tests is to confirm that the horse's muscles are supple and loose, and that it moves freely forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit."* Canter work on 20 m circles is added at this level.* Either sitting or rising trot may be used when trot work is required.* The horse is also asked to stretch down at the trot, and make changes of bend at the trot rather than going through the walk.

There is really no reason to sit at this level as contact is required but not collection, sitting is a more leveraged position and unless you are really strong in your position and able to allow your horse to go, you will actually impede the "move freely forward" and could get marked down for interfering with your horse.

Oh well now don't I feel ignorant, LOL I always just assumed you had to be on the correct diagonal.

Oh trust me, I'm passing this on to you because I just learned this 3 years ago when I became an assistant trainer at a dressage and eventing barn and actually started showing in the dressage ring. (and I've been riding for 15 years!)

Haha ^^ Well thanks for the information!

Yup, no such thing as an incorrect diagonal in dressage. However, diagonals are a strong tool that can help a horse bend properly, so it is a shame to not use it to your advantage.
A student of mine was at a champoinship show and she had a horse that would easily overbend. As part of helping her stay straight (VERY green horse) she would use the incorrect diagonal as a tool. The judge docked her for it. I protested it as she was in contention for the championship. The judge had to riscend the bad scoring.

Learned something new today too, about diagonals.

Same, I have always been taught the correct diagonals are upmost importance...