Difference between an up and down transistion?

Question

Okay well I know the aids for an up transistion is to hold for a breif moment with my hands(by hold i dont mean pull,almost a breif squeeze)along with leg.So how do you do a down transistion?..properly!...ive been thinking about it and i know you cant just stop with the leg contact(meaning only using your hands) because then the transistion will be sloppy and spralwed out.Can someone please explain how to?

Answer 1

you slow down your seat as that is where you drive the horse from as you should be able to ride with know contact of the mouth at all.

Answer 2

I agree with Belinda....you do not use a rein cue in the down transition...your weight shift is the only cue. Let your weight drop into the saddle and envision the horse slowing.

Answer 3

You are correct.

To transition down, make sure the horse is on the bit as you do to correctly transition up - leg, hold lightly with the hands.  Then, when you're ready, shift your weight back and sit down deep in the saddle.  Apply pressure with the reins, in whatever way your horse knows best - outside rein pressure, or squeeze and release both reins.  Once the horse has made the transition, immediately release the added rein pressure.  Keep your leg on enough that you transition down only as far as you wish.

Practice makes perfect.  Good Luck!