The medium trot is an essential movement in dressage, requiring power, balance, and control. While not every horse finds this movement natural, with the right approach and exercises, you can help your horse develop the strength and cadence needed for a proper medium trot. Here’s how.
1. Start with a Established Collected Trot
The foundation for a good medium trot is a established collected trot. Before you ask for a medium trot, ensure your horse is engaged, energetic, and balanced. The collected trot should feel uphill with your horse’s hind legs stepping under their body. Without this, the medium trot will lack power and consistency.
2. Use Posting to Encourage Swing
If your horse struggles to maintain rhythm and swing, try posting the trot during your medium trot attempts. Focus on a slower, larger posting rhythm—”big and slow.” This helps encourage your horse to lengthen their stride without speeding up. Avoid rushing the trot, as this will create tension and imbalance.
3. Incorporate Shoulder-In
Adding shoulder-in before and after the medium trot can help keep your horse balanced and engaged. This exercise encourages the hind legs to stay active and under the body, which is critical for maintaining rhythm and avoiding mistakes.
4. Practice Transitions
Frequent transitions between collected and medium trot are key (rather than just staying in medium longer/or asking for an extension). Instead of riding the entire diagonal, work on short bursts of medium trot followed by a return to collection. These transitions build strength and improve your horse’s responsiveness, creating a more polished and controlled medium trot.
5. Work on a Circle
For horses that struggle with balance or get too strong, practicing medium trot on a circle can help. The curved line naturally encourages engagement and prevents the horse from getting too long or downhill.
6. Watch for Rhythm Mistakes
A common issue in medium trot is losing rhythm or having a “bobble.” If this happens, focus on maintaining an even tempo. The goal is longer strides, not faster ones. Keep your aids clear and consistent to avoid rushing.
7. Give Plenty of Breaks
Developing the medium trot requires strength and can be physically demanding. Be sure to give your horse frequent breaks and vary your exercises to avoid overworking.
With patience, consistent practice, and these techniques, your horse’s medium trot will become more fluid, powerful, and expressive. Good luck, and happy riding!
Happy riding!
Amelia
