I've only done about an hour of riding but i've done sitting trots and had no problem with that and am now on rising trot but I'm find it difficult to apply pressure to keep the horse trotting at the same time, the horse just decides to go back to walking if I don't...
Any advice is appreciated, thanks
After only one hour of riding I probably wouldn't be posting yet. I still find sitting a rough trot difficult to do well and I've done it for many years.
As for advice, after again only one hour, your instructor is the best person to ask for advice. Posted via Mobile Device
Remember the muscles you are using are differant to the ones you usually use once they have strengthened a bit your trainer will give you the advice you need and you will have the strength to carry it through.
carry on enjoying your lessons
Carry a riding crop and give the horse a little tap behind your leg when your first feel him start to slow down. Or just touch it to his ribs. That may be enough inspiration to keep him moving at the trot.
Squeeze with heels every few steps. If working on posting and keeping the horse moving I had to sit back in the saddle and add heel then post again. Once I got more balanced I was able to apply heel and post. Even now on my horse's lazy days I sit to add lots of leg.
I also agree with carrying a crop, but only a small one and use it only after trying with leg doesn't work. (you don't want to get in the habit of relying on your crop instead of leg aids)
If you have a horse that responds to voice try saying 'trot' or 'kissing' or 'clucking' to him/her.
Posting can be quite tricky to learn, and very difficult to perfect.
I also agree with using a crop, just try not to get too reliant on it. Just use it until your leg muscles are strong enough to cope with the movement of posting as well as apply enough pressure to keep the horse moving. Being able to use a crop is a good skill but having nice, consistent leg muscles is much better!
If your instructor won't let you use a crop, simply apply pressure everytime you sit. Rise, sit and pressure, rise, sit and pressure, rise, sit and pressure, until the horse either decides it's enough and keeps a consistent speed or until the end of your trotting session- whichever happens first. If this is making you too wobbly try applying pressure only once in a while and see if that keeps the horse trotting.
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