A very happy lesson report for today :D *videos and pics*

Hi T-G - some great pics, you are making so much improvement. Well done!!

Your trot work is coming on leaps and bounds, isn't it? You may find it more comfortable if you aim to rise a little lower (I know, I used to rise really high too) in your rising trot. It is literally just a lightening of the seat off the saddle. A friend of mine says to imagine you are ******* a doughnut that's balanced on the pommel!

I've recently had a lesson where my trainer started me off in trot standing in the stirrups and then said to imagine that 'rising' trot is actually 'sitting' trot - ie you sit from a light position rather than stand from a sitting position. The result is that your legs take the strain and lighten your seat, rather than sitting on your bum like a sack of spuds. It was knackering, but my boy seemed to appreciate it!

Re: your stirrups - if you are uncomfortable at that length, then shorten them. There's no rule that says you have to ride long. And take all your weight in your heels too, that'll help keep them where they need to be.

Keep up the good work and well done!!

Flix
 
Hi T-G - some great pics, you are making so much improvement. Well done!!

Your trot work is coming on leaps and bounds, isn't it? You may find it more comfortable if you aim to rise a little lower (I know, I used to rise really high too) in your rising trot. It is literally just a lightening of the seat off the saddle. A friend of mine says to imagine you are ******* a doughnut that's balanced on the pommel!

I know I probably go shooting off into the air, so will try and steady up the rising.

I've recently had a lesson where my trainer started me off in trot standing in the stirrups and then said to imagine that 'rising' trot is actually 'sitting' trot - ie you sit from a light position rather than stand from a sitting position. The result is that your legs take the strain and lighten your seat, rather than sitting on your bum like a sack of spuds. It was knackering, but my boy seemed to appreciate it!

Hmm, Ill try that!

Re: your stirrups - if you are uncomfortable at that length, then shorten them. There's no rule that says you have to ride long. And take all your weight in your heels too, that'll help keep them where they need to be.

Keep up the good work and well done!!

Flix

Thank you for the good advice and tips!

I am going to try and gradually increase the length of my stirrups, think I went a bit too long yesterday :o xx

xx
 
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Sorry if I repeat anything, not read the whole thread yet.


  • [1]My wandering feet in the stirrups!
    [2]Sitting deep in the saddle in canter
    [3]Try to get used to longer stirrups
    [4]Actually sitting up STRAIGHT! Not slouching, not wibbling my shoulder, but sitting up, shoulders back and smile :D

1. No Idea. But if you figure it out let me know as mine do it all the time in canter...and it doesn't matter how long/short my stirrups are.

2. Shove your bum under you and move back and forwards with the horses motion.

3. Percevere....You will get used to them eventually....Or maybe put them up a hole for a bit (not to your jumping length) so they're a little shorter and move down when you're used to it.

4. Shoulders back and boobs out...:p


Glad you had a good lesson chick.
 
What happens if you just go 'standing' in trot? Do you fall backwards? I'm just wondering if you are a tad behind the movement and gripping up. You need (as far as is possible ) your heels underneath you, so draw your lower leg back, let your heel sink and this will make the back of your leg longer. The overall benefit will be better stability as just now you look to be in the armchair position. This could be partly due to the position of the stirrup bars on the saddle, though.
 
1. No Idea. But if you figure it out let me know as mine do it all the time in canter...and it doesn't matter how long/short my stirrups are.

2. Shove your bum under you and move back and forwards with the horses motion.

3. Percevere....You will get used to them eventually....Or maybe put them up a hole for a bit (not to your jumping length) so they're a little shorter and move down when you're used to it.

4. Shoulders back and boobs out...:p


Glad you had a good lesson chick.

Thanks S :D

Number four is what my instructor told me, I burst out laughing, but it works! xx

P.S. Still drooling at all the gorgeous pics of Herc'l!
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What happens if you just go 'standing' in trot? Do you fall backwards? I'm just wondering if you are a tad behind the movement and gripping up. You need (as far as is possible ) your heels underneath you, so draw your lower leg back, let your heel sink and this will make the back of your leg longer. The overall benefit will be better stability as just now you look to be in the armchair position. This could be partly due to the position of the stirrup bars on the saddle, though.

If I just go 'standing' I do fall backwards after a while. I do think Im gripping with my knee, which I need to work on.

Thank you for the advice x
 
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The other thing that may help is to get someone on the ground to lift your leg away from the saddle, twist it gently so your toe is facing in more and your heel is pushed back. Does that make sense? It has helped me :) It opens your hips and lengthens your leg a bit.
 
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