When posting, let your lower leg rest comfortably, without undue pressure
against the horse's side, relax the thigh (let a little daylight in
here), balance on your seatbones and rise from the hips as if you had a
string attached to your navel & someone was gently pulling up and forward
with the string. Let your heels drop naturally, rhythmically as you
rise, breathe deeply and exhale as you come down and allow the heels to
return to "level".
What this accomplishes is a very relaxed post that is feather-light. You
have balance, leg contact for when you need it, no pinchy knees 'cause
your thigh is relaxed, and a light seat controlled from your hips. So
when you switch diagonals, the little "bounce" is hardly noticable.
Practice going down the trail in a straight line, level ground, and count
to ten on one diagonal, then switch & count to 10 again. Then count to 5
& switch, then 3 & switch, then back up again. Once you have the rhythm,
go in a ring and do 20 meter circles, alternating diagonals. Do lots of
serpentines--does wonders for you and the horse.
If this isn't clear just email me at safehavn@fast.net.
Good luck
Diane @ Safe Haven
Allentown, PA
On Wed, 24 Apr 1996, SSolis wrote:
> Ssolis wrote:
> Can anyone give me some instructions on the correct technique for posting?
> When I post I try to distribute the weight thru my legs and to try to keep all of
> my weight off the stirrups.
> I understand that if your wieght is constantly placed on the two stirup points
> than you must be defeating the purpose of the weight distributing properties of
> the entire saddle.
> When I'm posting I allso try to switch laterals frequently by bouncing to change
> leads, I'm not sure if I have the correct terminology here.
> I also feel that I hit the saddle too hard during the posting no matter how
> relaxed I try to be.
>
> Any pointers or tips will be greatly appreciated.
>