why do you shorten you rreins when preparing to trot?

[darkhorse123]

Ive always been taught to do it and have but just wondered why - why cant you trot at the same rein length you would at walk?

 

[The Original Kao]

A horses head comes up higher when you trot, so if you don't shorten you reins you won't have the right contact with the horses mouth.

 

[abina]

agree as mentioned when your horse trots the head will naturally be held closer and slightly higher to the body, so to be able to keep the correct contact you shorten the reins before you trot so that the transistion can be made in a smooth and balanced motion.

 

[darkhorse123]

ah ty!