Improving the extended trot

Hi!

Extended trot asks more of our core stability. We need to be able to stabilise our body so we do not lose our balance and seat. If we cannot, we usually compensate by leaning back, the lower legs slide forward and we hold too hard on the rein. That makes it harder for the horse to carry us. The horse tenses its back and loses the movement through its body, and it may respond by not going forward or by running away from the imbalance.

What you can work on: check that you have found a good basic seat, with a straight line through your shoulder, hip and ankle, and your hands in front of you with slightly bent elbows. Riding with the reins in one hand is good training. Imagine you had no reins at all. It should feel as though you are holding your own balance rather than balancing on the horse.

Then try lengthening the trot carefully while keeping your seat and balance. Picture inviting the horse forward with your hand slightly forward and up, which gives the horse room to lift its ribcage and find a lift, while your own body follows the lengthening gently and steadily.