Troubles with Rising Trot/Posting?!?

Question

Hi, I just started English horseback riding lessons. I am a beginner, and I am practicing posting/rising trot. I ride a horse named Jimmy, and this is the first time riding him. During my last lesson, it didn't go so well as a expected. Jimmy isn't used to being on a lounge line, which is what I am used to using, since I'm not really used to posting yet. So the teacher let me practice AND control the horse. This was my SECOND time doing the rising trot! So I was a little surprised. Anyways, Jimmy is a nice and gentle horse, but for some reason, he kept stopping when I tried to do posting on him! And he kept trying to turn right when I kept trying to go left! But when the teacher rode him and showed me how to 'properly' do it, he did fine! He went around the arena gracefully, but when I was doing it, he kept stopping and turning. and when walking in a straight line, his neck was turned to the right. Why was he doing this? Please, could someone give me advise on posting? Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

seriously, you need a new trainer! if she is getting you to mount on the right side of the horse, SHES NUTS! But, anyways... in my horseback riding lessons, we were NEVER taught on the lunge line! That only teaches you how to rely on the person lunging to help you constantly. When you post, since you are a beginner, you may be keeping uneven conatact on his mouth. Meaning that you are holding onto one rein tighter than the other. Try to not swing your legs, keep them stable. Oh, and dont force the posting! Let the horses natural movement throw you up out of the saddle. It is completely opposite of sitting the trot, you dont want to absorb the movement, you want to work against it in a way. Also, it is VERY hard to master posting the first few times you try, but never ever give up! Riding is well worth the bonds you create with the horse you ride!

P.S: The horse is only stretching out is neck like that to make you loosen the reins, or to just be a bugger and try to get you off! lol

Answer 2

when you need him to turn, use inside leg outside rein to turn him. you also may be giving mixed signals. you dont know how to balance yet so chances are you are pulling on the reins which means STOP! thats probably why he is stopping. you will get better dont worry!

Answer 3

What is happening is  you are a beginner and the horse knows it.  He is trying to test you.  A crop might help keep him going.  Is it possible for you to have practice sessions, with another student that rides at your barn.  one sesson a week isn't enough to learn the rising trot, you need to ride 3 times a week

Answer 4

I've been riding for seven years so trust me on this one, trotting becomes really easy really quickly. If you use these quick tips they really help:

-Try to squeeze with your knees. It might take a lot of energy and might make your thighs ache but you'll get used to it pretty fast. This also helps you not to fall off.

-When rising, rise when the horse's shoulder closest to the arena wall it's called being on ther correct diagonal.

-As for him turning right when you want him to go left it could be a number of things, I would ask your instructor if these quick tips don't work:

+when you ride try not to "push" the horse with your feet you might be pulling the right rein and pushing on the right side which would make him go straight or left depending.

+when turning bring your right hand to your right hip when turning right, viceversa.

+the horse could be just pulling you around, but he sounds pretty good natured. it could also be the signal, some horses are taught different ways, if you can't figure it out ask your instructor, she should know.

+practice posting at the walk and if you do not like posting at the trot as much tell her and ask her for practice she shouldn't deny it.

-About your instructor, she sounds like a regular teenage girl to me. After riding for so long I know you should do everything on your left BUT there are a few exceptions. Horses like routine. So it's best to do stuff on your left. You should ask someone a little more experienced why she would say it doesn't matter. Because to me it matters a lot.

-When your horse's head was turned to the right you might have been holding his right rein tightly and you were making his head turn. He could of also just been looking around, but in my experience you should learn "horse talk" on and off the horse. You always want there attention. When they're ears are back they could be thinking something bad or a horse could be on your butt, figuretivley, you should always get the attn of the horse you could do that by squeezing a little or shake the reins or pat him/her on the back.

I really hope I helped :]

and also I think one lesson a week is enough. But you should try to ride as often as possible. Jimmy sounds good natured but he could be pulling you around. I'd suggest a whip or a crop.

Answer 5

dont worry this happens to all beginners. the key is to squeeze, NOT kick with your legs. when you want to go right use you left leg and use your right leg to turn right. just squeeze in general to keep him going.

well the teacher doesnt sound that good but maybe you should tell her if your uncomfortable. maybe she doesnt know your nervous. if i was you i would look into riding some where else becasue the teacher is supposed to tell u how to do it and not do it 4 you.

Answer 6

well when i first started out my lessons were $60 for a private lesson. but i would say make sure you "rise and fall with the leg on the wall" thats an old saying my instructor used to tell me. and make sure your hands arent to tense. you want to relax but still have fun!! and i would suggest finding another place that you could maybe do stable work a few days a week in trade for riding one of their horses!!! alot of places do that for kids now a days!!!

good luck :]]

i hope i helped!!