[elle]

i have been trying for ages to get my mare to go into an extended trot, but i cant get her to do it, does anyone know how to get them into this trot, or have any tips to train her??

[Lou3]

When asking for an extended trot give aids for more impulsion (not a change of gait) and dont give with your hands quite as much as usual. Dont make them stiff and immoveable, just alter your contact very slightly to hold in the extra impulsion and prevent a change in rhythm (dont pull whatever you do your horse will fight). When you have got a very high level of impulsion ask for a slightly faster trot but keep your posting rhythm the same. The horse will then have no option but to lengthen its stride. Dont expect a full extended trot at first - a few lengthened strides is big progress for a horse that has never done it before, you can build it up gradually.
Lou

[Blistering Winds]

Personally, I would find someone in your barn or area that is good with this and show you how. I thought my horse was doing a good extended trot one time, but he wasn't. Someone got on him and showed me how to get him to do it and what it looks like. Still can't do it totally, but I'm still working on it too. I cue him faster, but keep him reined in so he can't extend for the canter. That's as best as I can explain the process.

[elle]

woh, i didnt know that extended trots involve so much work and muscles, i spose it is a good muscle builder though

[EventingDayDream]

It takes a ton of muscle! thats why a full extended trot isn't asked for until what 3rd 4th level? I know first level is just a lengthaning in the trot and 2nd is a medium trot. a good way to get the impulsion that was talked about earlier is to ride the horse in a smalle circle (about 10 meters) in the corner and use your seat (not reins) to hold him and kicking your legs left right left right and keep the horse supple with light rein contact, this is a good way for them to build up impulsion, then be sure your horse is straight, start posting and give one good squeeze (don't kick because this means speed) and let the horse have his head some. He will probably break into the canter but don't get mad, just sit back ask for a trot and keep going, eventually they will get it right cute_kis