Does your posting trot feel more like “thump, thump, thump” than a coordinated, fluid motion? If so, you’re not alone—and in this video, I’m sharing two powerful secrets to help you post the trot more effectively, with better timing, balance, and harmony with your horse.
Posting trot is an essential skill for every rider. It’s not only easier on your horse’s back, but it’s also a fantastic way to warm up your horse for the rest of your ride. When done correctly, it allows your horse to move forward and come up through the back, while giving you a smoother, more connected ride.
But when it’s done incorrectly, posting can quickly throw both you and your horse out of sync. Let’s dive into how to fix that!
First: Understand the Rhythm
Before we get into position, let’s start with the basics. The trot is a two-beat gait with diagonal pairs and a moment of suspension between each beat. That’s why it’s bouncier than the walk.
When you post, remember the classic mantra: “rise and fall with the shoulder on the wall.” That means your rise should match your horse’s outside front leg—so you’re moving with your horse’s natural rhythm, not against it.
Secret #1: Think of Your Thigh Like a Windshield Wiper
This concept comes from Mary Wanless, who recently shared her biomechanics insights with us inside my Strides program. It’s a game-changer!
- Imagine your upper thigh moving like a windshield wiper.
- Your lower leg should stay still—no swinging!
- The movement should hinge around your knee, not your ankle or hip.
- Your seat follows the rhythm of the trot, rising and lowering in sync with the horse.
To get this right, your body must be properly aligned—ear, shoulder, hip, and heel in a straight line. If your leg is too far forward or too far back, your seat will be unstable, and your posting will feel either stiff or behind the motion. You’ll land too heavily, which interrupts your horse’s rhythm and forward energy.
Secret #2: Land Softly in the Saddle
The second secret is all about the landing. When you come back into the saddle, you need to:
- Tighten your core slightly right before landing
- Land softly and quietly—don’t “thump” into the saddle
- Keep your hips flexible so you absorb the motion, not brace against it
Your horse’s back is sensitive, and if you land hard or out of sync, your horse will tighten, resist, or slow down. You can see this clearly in the video: the moment I start posting incorrectly, Mercurio hollows, raises his head, and loses forward energy. But when I stay soft and controlled, he stays round and forward. Your horse is your mirror!
Posting Trot = Harmony and Communication
These two tips might seem simple, but they make a huge difference. Proper posting isn’t just about comfort—it’s about communication and connection. A balanced, quiet rider helps the horse move with ease and confidence. An unbalanced rider creates resistance and tension.
So, the next time you ride, remember:
- Thigh like a windshield wiper
- Soft landing with a tight core
- Rhythm is everything
Your horse feels your position. When you move correctly, your horse moves correctly too. And when things go wrong, start by checking in with your positions and what you are doing in your body that might be influencing your horse.
Happy Riding!
Amelia
P.S. Want a little extra support with your Dressage vocabulary? Be sure to download my free PDF with 10 Dressage terms every rider should know. Understanding concepts like half-halt, roundness, and connection will help you ride better and with more clarity.
