| by
Heidi Potter
Teaching or learning to post the
trot can be a challenge for both riders
and instructors. I teach this skill
on the ground before having my students
try it in the saddle. I then start
them out with practice on the lunge
line, requesting that they place their
hands down on the horse for stability
at first.
It is important to discuss the 1-2
rhythm of the trot and have the student
practice developing the feel of the
horse’s movement. To confirm
the student has the timing correct
you can have them ride the sitting
trot and say “now” when
the horse’s movement lifts them
forward out of the saddle.
The common mistake is that people
think posting is an up and down motion.
It is actually a forward and back
motion, which comes from opening and
closing the hip joint. Another common
mistake is pushing in the stirrups
to rise, which throws the leg out
of balance and often the rider as
well.
Here are the steps I use for teaching
how to post the trot:
- On the ground you will first demonstrate
the incorrect movement of simply
going up and down by straightening
the knees. Have the student try
this movement as well. After a few
repetitions you both will undoubtedly
feel that your knees begin to fatigue.
This exercise demonstrates what
not to do and how it shouldn’t
feel.
- Explain that in posting the horse
provides the impulsion for you to
rise and it should feel almost effortless
to the rider.
- You will need a solid structure
as high as your knees and at least
12” wide. A 3-step mounting
block or chair often works well.
(See photo)
- Place your toes and knees against
the side of the mounting block.
Separate your feet hip-width apart
or as wide as the structure you
are using will allow. Demonstrate
the proper position and movement
and then have the student try it.
You might choose to each use a side
so you can demonstrate and coach
at the same time.
- Hold hands out in rein position
with elbows bent and hands about
5” apart.
- Now open and close your hip joint
which allows you to bring your hips
towards your hands.
- The knees should not move off
the structure. They are anchored
still which leaves the lower leg
solid and quiet. Your feet remain
flat on the ground offering you
a solid base on which to ride.
- The hands should be quiet and
not moving.
- Have the student place their hand
on the front of their hip joint
and feel it open and close. The
hand will lie on a flat surface
when the hip is open and get squeezed
when the hip closes. Their head
and shoulders should not be rising
up and down very much with this
motion.
I encourage that the student practice
at home on the edge of a sofa, chair
or any solid object that is about
knee high until they have it down.
Once the student has built some muscle
memory they are ready to try it on
the horse.
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