Struggling to get diagonals

[kirstydouglas39]

So I struggle with diagonals in trot even when I look down at the horses legs but now our ri is making us do it without looking and just feeling how the horse feels any tips

 

[Sukistokes2]

Let's hope you get some because I NEVER sorted it out on my last horse and he used to ping me off on the the leg he wanted. You could not feel it the only way I could see was to put tape on his shoulder and glance down.
Although now on my new boy I am not allowed to look.!

 

[Equi]

The horses fire leg should be back when your bum is on the seat so whichever leg is back is the diagonal you're on

 

[willowblack]

I used to struggle and found it was easier to glance at the outside leg which should be on the ground whilst sitting. X

 

[spike123]

there's a saying rise and fall with the leg on the wall. it means when the front leg nearest the wall is forward you are rising and when back you are sitting. Perhaps try sitting trot to see if you can feel which leg is forward and which is back.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Start in walk, reins in one hand, other hand on horses shoulder. Get someone to watch and you say "now" every time that hoof hits the floor, the watcher can tell you when you've got it right. Practice until you can do it with both front legs in normal riding position without needing to touch the shoulder. Then start on the back legs placing your spare hand near the hip.

It might take you a few sessions to understand what you feel and longer to become consistent at getting it right which hoof is hitting the floor. When you've got all four legs in walk, then start with the trot. Once you've got the feel of the front legs in trot you can get the back legs quite easily because the legs work in diagonal pairs.