[Crimson Vision]

Let me preface this with I am currently training with a dressage instructor; I jut keep forgetting to ask her this. LOL! I do not plan to ask my horse to do this I am just curious how it's done? It's really my favorite movement and I look forward to the day my trainer teaches me to do it.

But for now; how do YOU ask for an extended trot?

[billsdaydream14]

I just give more leg so that the horse moves out, but I keep a steady enough contact on the reins so they don't start to canter. In the past on a different horse, I would alternate leg on each side to attempt to get the horse to extend - if that's correct, I have no idea. lol

You'll love it once you try it! =)

-Aimee

[Crimson Vision]

Thanks for the reply Aimee; I do remember reading that now (from where I couldn't tell you) but I wasn't sure if there was anything else involved. I look forward to it!

[shell]

Deep seat and a lot of leg, not kicking leg though.

[Lindsayanne]

I was taught to shift my weight just a little bit backwards, sink deeper into the saddle, and kind of push with my seatbones. A little encouragement with the legs, but mostly seat. You have to give a little with your reins, but not so much they break gait or get ahead of the bridle.

that's sitting trot. I've never dared try it posting.

It's fun but regal's big stride just bounces me right out of the saddle by the time we're halfway down the long side of the arena.

[Crimson Vision]

Originally Posted by Lindsayanne

I was taught to shift my weight just a little bit backwards, sink deeper into the saddle, and kind of push with my seatbones. A little encouragement with the legs, but mostly seat. You have to give a little with your reins, but not so much they break gait or get ahead of the bridle.

that's sitting trot. I've never dared try it posting.

It's fun but regal's big stride just bounces me right out of the saddle by the time we're halfway down the long side of the arena.

I thought there might be a bit of encouragement with the seat as well; it seems like the thing to do. I was just never sure!

LOL, I'm a little nervous to see what it's like to try and sit Max's extended trot; I haven't even tried to sit his regular one yet.

[Crimson Vision]

Wow! Thanks Dancinglite! Max is actually going through quite an extensive training routine right now; since he's already been trained up a bit through the levels my trainer is going to use him as her dressage mount for the time being and has been working with him even more than she's working with me. Heehee; we will be coordinating schedules soon to get me more time in there too.

[Grey Wolf]

I had no idea it was so complicated!

I just squeeze a little from the trot and hold it 'til I get the pace I want, then relax. If I keep holding it, she'll slide up into a canter. I don't have to hold her back, but might have to give her a rhythmic squeeze to get her to hold it - she's lazy, sometimes...

If I bump her with my heels at the trot, she gets "bouncy", and her stride stays the same length. Pretty to look at, not much fun to ride. Then if I hold her back just a bit and squeeze, I'll get a big rolly canter, and a lead change - sometimes...

[bay_blnd jmpr07]

For my mare I just give more leg and really use my seat and she goes right into it. And to bring her back out from it I half-halt and we're doing a medium/working trot again.

[Blistering Winds]

But for now; how do YOU ask for an extended trot?

I get off, unsaddle,and turn the horse loose.

Works every time.




(little snot he is.)



Anyways, if it is an extended posting trot, I slow my posts down, squeeze, yet keep his nose tucked.

If it is a sitting extension, I'll sit DEEP into his hips, driving his hind end down and under him, squeeze for more impulsion, keep his nose tucked, and verbally CLICK to beat the time.


The sitting extension is currently the only one he'll extend some in. It is a start.