Improving downward transitions

[Marv99]

Does anyone have any good exercises for improving downward transitions?

I can push him from walk into halt ok but trot to walk and canter to trot we just kind of fall into it. When we go from Canter to trot his first trot strides are really rushed and it takes me a bit to get the nice rythmical trot. Trot to walk he just looses all energy and goes from a lovely trot to no forward momentum at all.

We have worked on the upward transitions and these are now quite sharp (usually) but now we need to work on the other side.

All suggestions gratefully received!

 

[camilla4]

Marv, you don't say how experienced you are - how strong and independent is your seat? The most common reason for a rushed downward transition is the rider tipping forward - if your centre of gravity moves forward like this,the horse will naturally "run" to bring its own centre of gravity under yours - is there anyone who can watch you and tell you if this is happening?

 

[Marv99]

I could be my seat. I've got a lesson tonight so I'll ask my instructor what she thinks.

It could well be that he pulls me forward. He can be heavy in front (although he become lighter as we've tried to work on him coming through from behind) plus he is a little too big for me being 17.2hh and me under 5 7! He wasn't supposed to be this big but he kept on growing. I will try and work on sitting stright and up through the transitions to see if this helps.

 

[camilla4]

Yes, do check with your instructor - it can be hard to keep upright if your seat is not that strong but it is worth working on as it makes a huuuuuge difference!! Hope the lesson goes well!