How to Post the Trot
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- Do you struggle with posting trot? In this video, I take you through exactly how to post the trot, how to use the leg effectively AND a very specific posting hack for leg yielding!
#PostingTrot #RisingTrot #HowToPostTheTot
(FULL VIDEO DESCRIPTION BELOW LINKS)
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HOW TO POST THE TROT
Learning the posting trot is something we do pretty early in our riding careers and once we’ve mastered that rhythmic rise and fall with the beat of the trot, it’s like riding a bike, and it can’t be forgotten. This week’s in this week’s video, I’m going to show you the exact mechanics of how to post correctly, and also how to use your leg effectively while you’re posting!
Firstly, what are the reasons we post?
- Posting lets us stay in balance on the horse’s back in what would ordinarily be a very bouncy gait!
- It gets us up and off our horses’ backs and gives them more freedom and ease of movement
- It’s a great warm-up, especially if you’re riding a young horse who hasn’t developed the muscles to carry us in sitting trot for longer periods yet.
The things people mainly struggle with are how to post correctly, and how to use the leg while doing so! Here are some key points to know that will help you understand the movement and execute your best posting yet!
PIVOT! First thing’s first, your seat has got to pivot around your knee. Imagine your femur extends out past your knee, and push your knee forward and downward into the thigh block (or just the front of your saddle if you’ve no block). This gives you a pivot point from which your seat is raised up and down.
LOWER LEG: This stays still. Your leg should be identical from the knee down whether you are posting or sitting.
ELBOWS: Your elbows need to be supple and elastic. They should bend and straighten as you rise up and down in order to maintain the same position.
TIMING: If you want to give a leg aid, you need to time it. The only time you can put your leg on is when your butt is in the saddle.
LEG YIELD: Posting trot in the leg yield calls for a little rule-breaking. In order to be most effective and communicate with the inside hind leg, you need to post on the wring diagonal, to coordinate your sitting moment with the moment the inside hind is about to leave the ground.
Finally, if you feel your horse is lazy, rather than kicking excessively, just add some tot-walk-trot transitions to get them coming off your leg more effectively.
Watch the video where I go through this in more detail and demonstrate on Mercurio and let me know in the comments if you find it helpful or have any comments or questions!
Thanks for watching and happy riding!
This video was awesome, especially the portion talking about posting on the incorrect diagonal in the leg yield. Thank you for sharing!
This is the first time I have heard anyone say to change your diagonal so that you can time your leg aid when sitting. I have struggled forever with trying to use my leg when in the up and just thought I was super uncoordinated because I couldn’t do it. Than you! It makes so much sense.
I am so happy that you included the "wrong diagonal" part regarding posting on the inside diagonal while doing a leg yield. I have been preaching this for over 25 years as I believe there are no wrong diagonals in Dressage training as long as they changed to keep equal while riding. A rider can not influence a leg that is on the floor - only one passing through the air.
Max Gahwyler, author of The Competitive Edge I and II, taught me this very long ago. I was very glad to see it so well displayed and explained on your video. Thank you Amelia ❤️!
love the tip of posting on the wrong diagonal when attempting leg yield. will definitely try it
That leg yield tip is awesome!!! I can always get a leg yield when we do sitting trot but as soon as I post we are just speeding in a straight line. I can't wait to try this!
Hi. I truly enjoyed the inside tip of changing to your inside diagnol for posting and asking for the leg yield. Such great information and I personally have never heard from any instructor previously. Thank you.
You are so welcome!
Amelia could you describe how your mid-section/core should be rising out of the saddle? More up-and-down? More forward towards the pommel? Does your back position change? How high out of the saddle should you be rising? And how long should you be in a rising position; a sitting position? How can changes in these lengths of time in the rise & sit affect your speed, your horse's movement whether going forward and/or going longer in the stride, being more "springy"? Thank you!
Yes, this. I struggle with being able to adjust my horses speed by posting. I know I should be able to just post slower and slow my horse down that way, but all I succeed in doing is ending up out of sync and off balance and crashing down onto my poor horse's back.
Also, what pressure is being applied where along your knee and legs? Thanks!
Wow! What a great win! So happy he is getting better!
My fav tips were: bending elbows with posting (really helps steady the hands) and change the diagonal when doing the leg yield at a posting trot. Brilliant explanation of the pivot point, when to time the aids, and how to keep the hands steady when in the posting trot. 💕🐴👍💫
I applied the concept of imagining femur extension and hinge yesterday and it really really helped me. I'm transitioning from being a self-taught western rider to starting dressage (at age 71) and your tips are incredibly useful. Thank you!
Love that you are starting dressage at 71!!! How many sports can one seriously do that with????
Glad it helped!
I had never been taught to change the diagonal with a leg yield. Of course! How wonderful. Thank you for sharing that gold nugget. Your training videos are effective. I'm glad I found you. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, knowledge and skill.
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it
thank you so much! changing the diagonal is something I've never heard and I have always struggled with trying to do lateral work while posting. I can't wait to try this!
Lightbulb moment about rising trot on the wrong diagonal in leg yield - brilliant thank you
This was SO helpful! Agreed, the info about the mechanics of posting on the wrong diagonal in leg yield is so useful. Thank you for posting this.
OMG-I cannot believe what a game changer the “wrong” diagonal trick was for me yesterday. Coming off of five days of no riding (sub-zero temperatures), my well-broke-but-new-to-dressage horse and I had a total break-through with our stiff-side leg yield! Your videos help me so much on days I can't ride!
Awesome tips! Thanks!
Thank you so much, Amelia!
Good point on changing diagonal in the leg yield!
Excellent video!!!
We will try all that this weekend, thank you! Great tips
Really interesting. Makes so much sense
Thank you for the information about changing diagonal with leg yield. It makes sense!
Great tip changing the digonal in the leg yeld :) Thanks!
Thanks Amanda super tip about how posting trot in the leg yeild,,,super
Really helpful! Thanks♡
Yes, I struggle with the posting trot! Good suggestions! I will try them today! Thanks!
Thank you for this video! I taught myself to say “post and squeeze” when I was training my gelding. It helped me keep my/our rhythm.
GREAT tip about changing the posting diagonal.
Glad you like it!
Thank you!
Fantastic info about changing the diagonal. I am learning leg yielding now and am having trouble getting him to listen to my (very weak) right leg. Can't wait to try this tip! Thanks!
I needed this video..I struggled with influencing my horse in leg yield while posting up it didn’t make sense and I thought something was wrong with my body because I couldn’t do it…posting on the incorrect diagonal is genius no trainer told me to do this! Thx so much for all of your online content I have become a better dressage rider because of it
Check out our free course on confidence: Https://ameliasdressageacademy.com/confidence/
What a great tip on how to do leg shield in posting trot!!
I'm glad you like it!
Tips are helpful -thanks for clarifying the kicking -think squeeze -or a “fluffy kick “ also think of your front line and weight in leg yielding . Carl Hester stated in a article that one should attempt sitting trot after the canter has the back relaxed and strengthened -this is a valid point. We see many riders bouncing around at sitting trot and the horses expression shows that the rider is not subtle enough(core not strong enough )and/or the horses back has not been developed enough in the canter to withstand long periods of sitting trot. My clinician also recommends posting on the wrong diagonal in leg yield for the point you made (aid given when inside leg is moving forward and under).
Love it. Go you
Thanks, Amelia. Tried several videos about rising trot, yours was by far the best for me. Great riding and explanations.
Glad it was helpful! Please consider subscribing as it really helps me out!
Awesome advice!
Glad it was helpful!
Super helpful. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve always switched my diagonal when asking for counter-bend…but never thought about with leg yield but it makes perfect sense. My horse tends to be very tense so leg yield is my go to exercise to loosen him up. Next ride, I’m trying this!!
Thank you, I never realized that you need to post "wrong" in leg yield!
Try it! It helps!
Good video and tips, especially the leg yield/diagonal connection. I think of the horse's trot as a two beat gait, but three movements: up, forward, down. As a rider, the up part of the movement will lift me out of the saddle, so my post is actually forward (rather than thinking "up") to absorb the horse's energy. As a rider, I'm primarily responsible for that forward portion of my posting movement. Adjust it to the amount of energy the horse gives in the trot. Then gravity will bring me back down into the saddle, but as the rider I have to be an athlete and control my downward movement so I don't thump down on the horse's back. It's a lot to think about at first - matching rider and horse biomechanics - but once you've trained your own muscle memory you can move with the horse. You raise a good point, too, about elbows. I was taught early on to think of my elbows as part of my seat. The elbows basically flex with the lower back and hips.
Super helpful!
So glad!
This has helped so much Amelia, I will certainly try these tips, especially in the leg yield x thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
This was a really helpful video...I hope you know how much your videos help others. I struggle with the posting trot and your videos are a godsend. I am working on leg yield too and your instruction is down to earth and because you explain the "why" the whole process is easier to understand. Thanks so much.
You are so welcome!
I was taught you drive your post into the outside shoulder. I’m riding a 2.5 year old right now. Not quite ready to start these but I’ll have to try this.
Super helpful! Thank you, Amelia! I only did leg yields in the trot a few times but didn’t know that it’s better to change the posting diagonal. Will try it next time I ride 😊
let me know how it goes!
Amelia this was great. Can you talk more about yielding?
Great explanation! Thank you Amelia :)
YOU're welcome Gosia! Thanks for watching!
Also, if you want to really get clarity, understanding, and progress on your dressage journey, sign up to my FREE webinar on the Dressage Training Scale this Sunday March 13th. I’d love to see you there!
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Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴
This is hard to do but I ride my horse today and I did the posting the trot and I did it today and we did it and I got my horse in to a counter and I did a great job and I did good and I like your video that you do it is helping me how to ride my horse Nannette
Interesting tip on the leg yield posting diagonal.
Very helpful. I struggle with this
You can do it!
Amélia I’m from Northwest of Brazil, and here we don’t have dressage, just show jumping, I watch all your videos bc them help so much 🥰🥰🥰
I'm so glad they help you!
YES! I struggle
OMG wrong diagonal for leg yield! No wonder 1st level test 3 leg yield off wall has been so difficult! Game changer! I was changing diagonal too soon!
Super useful 👍
How about half halts in posting trot? Obviously we use our thighs to half halt when we sit in the saddle but is there anything else we should keep in mind?
Great question.
This video might help! czcams.com/video/leaLZfEynkc/video.html
I struggle too
What are the front legs doing when the outside hind is crossing over??
I am from Poland my name is Bożena.
and I send greetings from Poland. I would like to thank you for this video , I have been struggling for almost 5 years. And now I'm practicing trot posting according to these tips, and there's been a huge improvement. The tips are invaluable. Thank you to Amelia and the horse - I think this is Merkurio's horse. I would also like, if possible, to ask for a video of how to work in a posting trot and at a canter on the rider's worse side. For me it is just the left side. Going left, my horse trots slower and does not rot, of course, it is my fault but please explain what to correct and how to work.
This is a good video that could help you! czcams.com/video/9B6VprzGOiQ/video.html
thank you
OMG I was taught incorrectly and now that I have an amazing training and its teaching me the correct was I CANT DO IT! I am so sad that you so much for this.
You've got this! Don't give up!
Do you have any tricks to when you first start posting on getting the right diagonal?
When the right leg of the horse - trot on the inside right front leg - is touching the ground you must be sat down and when the left front leg is touching the ground you must be posted up.
When you trot on the left inside front leg, you must be sat on the left leg. When you 're posted up, it means your horse is putting down the right front leg.
To easily change the inside leg , you sit down two steps. It' s a very old trick !!! 😂
Then you' ll be on the opposite inside leg.
I' m learning in a French 🇨🇵 horse school. I 'm a very old rider, 57 years old, who started when I was 10. I stopped for more than 30 years but these things never changed ! 😊
Diagonals are used to change the inside leg. Semi circles are used for it in my country too.
Great question! The better your balance is, the easier this will be. Try not to start posting until you feel the first stride of trot.
I find myself leaning forward in the posting trot
I hear you KAthie! If you concentrate on looking up, you'll find it harder to tip forward!
Also, if you want to really get clarity, understanding, and progress on your dressage journey, sign up to my FREE webinar on the Dressage Training Scale this Sunday March 13th. I’d love to see you there!
www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/trainingscalewebinar
I’m also on FB and IG (you might already know all this but I'm being super thorough today!)
facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/
Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered!
facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/
And finally, there’s my website!
www.amelianewcombdressage.com/
And you can also sign up here for weekly dressage tips sent to your inbox
www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/
Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴
@@AmeliaNewcombDressage I have signed up for the webinar will have to watch replay though…time differences put it in the middle of the night here
My struggle at times is elbows, bend/straight rhythm
This helps so much! But I’ve looked EVERYWHERE and I can’t seem to get an answer about whether or not your knee actually slightly presses INTO the saddle while you’re posting.
That’s what happens when I post, and I’m wondering if my new, super sensitive horse is reacting to THAT pressure or if I’m doing something else wrong. There is a lot of other “noise” he has to deal with, as I am returning to riding after many years off.
Thank you so much for all of the many ways you send out and provide information! ❤️❤️❤️
@Jennifer Hill I could be wrong, but my understanding is that contact is with your upper thigh and seat, not the knees and lower leg. If you watch Amelia as she comes across the diagonal, you’ll notice her knees remain “quiet” and do not appear to have direct contact with the saddle. I’d been told you’ll know when you’re pinching with your knees as you’ll fall back and forth in the saddle while posting. While the knees are the pivot point, my contact with the saddle is from above the knee to my seat. I am interested if this is correct! 😊
It’s completely opposite of a 2-point position in jumping….as I discovered when trying my horse over fences…I could barely keep my position as was used to keeping the knees and lower leg off my horse! In jumping I needed to keep them on, while my thigh and seat had much less contact.
@@crazycanuck8120 thank you! I was trying to watch the video and see if her knees touched or pressed in at all and I couldn’t tell. It makes sense that they wouldn’t of course but when I try to not to then my knees seem to flap and I press my calves in and it’s all a mess. 🤣 I’m still just pretty new to this and my core isn’t back in shape enough to do it properly I’m sure. I was so confident that my younger year competition abilities (and memory of how to do stuff) would come back but nope. Anyway, thank you and I’ll keep trying to keep quiet neutral knees and you know, maybe some sit-ups!
Good answer below. Your knee shouldn't be pinching! Think of pivoting around your knee.
Lol! Exactly my problem! Need to strengthen that core!!
Hi josie. Is it okay if I create little bit of hollow angle while rising and straight spine when I come to sit? It is very hard for me to rise with straight soine. My instructor told me you should only move your core and your spine should be in straight line whether you are rising or sitting.I m so confused😢. Can you please help me out. Cheers
Think of posting your hips toward your hands with a neutral spine. This video may also help. czcams.com/video/gdgpCXITPCk/video.html
I have a challenge picking the timing for the trot and picking …feeling if I’m on the right
Hi Jaye,
This can be so tricky! Here is a video that might be helpful: czcams.com/video/OcI48jJuZ2I/video.html
I definitely struggle at the posting trot. However it seems that you use your knee block to help to rise at the trot. Any tips for people whose knee block is a bit forward and not cradling the knee? Hope that makes sense.
Think of pivoting around your knee when you post. The tips in the video can definitely help you even if you don't have knee blocks. The knee block should not interfere with your posting.
I really need more Canter how to videos, my horse keeps doing all time and not stretching out in the Canter
Check out this free mini-course all about the canter! There are tons of videos! amelianewcombdressage.com/canter-with-confidence-o/
I've been sitting trot for years..... quite successfully. If I'm not blocking movement in my horse's back, or causing discomfort, do I need to post? Such as during a dressage test
No you don't have to in a test unless it's stated (like in the stretch circle).
If you are riding a test with leg yield, would you change diagonal in test?
Depends on the balance! The judge doesn't mark you down if you are on the opposite diagonal, they mark you down if the balance is off/affected by it :)
I struggle with Posting too high sometimes when I’m asking for more forward motion. What’s the proper height ? Thanks for your great videos 😍
About a bread slice or two is what you should 'think about' and that will make sure you're not posting too high.
Hello Amelia end Mercurio! I see you again
I nearly fell off doing this. I struggle a lot
Nice! Tried to post trot without stirrups ... but couldn't :(
It's hard! Keep practicing little bits
I wobble a bit at the top of my post. I can’t figure out why. Maybe too much weight and n heels.
Maybe posting too high? Let the horse lift you and think of posting hips forward..
I’m learning English from western and my sister told me I was posting wrong.I think I’m going to much upward than forward
I'm so pathetic...I can't get on the correct diagonal I was hoping for help with that.
riding is a lifelong journey, try this video instead: czcams.com/video/OcI48jJuZ2I/video.htmlsi=pAgsS8YYdbyLjY0e
Posting on the wrong diagonal at the leg yield 🤯
haha I know right?!?!
Ugh. I feel so uncoordinated with posting trot. The timing gets me confused.
It gets better! It's all a journey