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[RC] Newbie question - Spottedracer

I think anyone who tries =
to
sit a trot on the trail for very long will become very sore, and the hors=
e's
back may also.

Barbara

***As the lady I learned dressage from would say: "the horse's back will only get sore if the rider is unbalanced, tight, and BOUNCING on the horse's back at the trot. A good, relaxed, balanced rider - who knows HOW to properly sit and move with the horse. Will have a happier horse that can move out with ease."

Yep, 3-4 years ago - I used to 'sit trot' on my (then) stallion. For up to 2-3 hours at a working trot. Boy, when you are able to physically ride proper dressage - you and the horse will build alot of muscle!  I can still do this on him bareback for up to 30 minutes. I'm just 'fat and outt've shape' currently.

It's far easier to do this if you can use stirrups. To start learning, you first put about 50% of your weight into the stirrups. Drop those heels low. Once horse is in a solid working trot, you start 'walk/jogging' with your legs & hips - in time with your horse.. Eventually you get to a point where you're only putting 20% weight in your stirrups - and moving fluidly with the horse in a sitting working trot.  It's actually easier for both you and your mount - once you're both warmed up and used to the rythm. There's NO BOUNCING on the horse's back at all. Granted it can take about 100 hours of dedicated practice to REALLY accomplish 'being one' with your horse. So most people just don't have the patience.

- LP