How to Improve Your Posting Trot: A Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Answer
A correct posting trot requires rising from the inner thigh and knee (not pushing from the stirrup), keeping the heel down, maintaining soft contact, and following the horse's rhythm.
Key Takeaways
- Rise from the thigh and knee, not by pushing from the stirrup
- Keep the heel down to maintain a stable lower leg
- The rise should be forward and up, not straight up
- Maintain soft contact through the trot
- Correct diagonal is important in arena work
Mastering the Posting Trot
The posting trot (also called the rising trot) is one of the first skills new riders learn, and it's one that many riders continue to refine throughout their careers. A correct, effortless posting trot is a beautiful thing — and it makes a significant difference in your horse's comfort and way of going.
What Is the Posting Trot?
The trot is a two-beat gait where the horse's legs move in diagonal pairs. The posting trot involves rising out of the saddle on one diagonal and sitting on the other, in rhythm with the horse's movement. This reduces the impact on the horse's back and makes the trot more comfortable for both horse and rider.
Common Mistakes
Pushing from the stirrup — Many beginners push themselves up with their feet, which causes the lower leg to swing back and the heel to rise. This creates instability and can interfere with the horse.
Rising too high — An exaggerated rise is tiring and looks unbalanced. The rise should be subtle — just enough to clear the saddle.
Tipping forward — Some riders lean forward as they rise, putting weight on the horse's forehand.
Losing contact — The hands should remain steady through the posting trot. Many beginners allow their hands to bob up and down with their body.
Correct Technique
- Sit tall — Maintain an upright, balanced position in the saddle
- Engage your inner thigh — The rise comes from the thigh and knee, not from pushing with the foot
- Rise forward and up — Think of your hips moving slightly forward as you rise, not straight up
- Keep the heel down — A deep heel stabilizes the lower leg
- Maintain soft hands — Your hands should be independent of your body's movement
Exercises to Improve
No-stirrup work — Riding without stirrups at the trot develops an independent, adhesive seat
Two-point position — Standing in the stirrups at the trot develops balance and lower leg stability
Transitions — Frequent walk-trot-walk transitions help you find and maintain rhythm
The Correct Diagonal
In arena work, riders post on the correct diagonal — rising when the horse's outside front leg moves forward. To check your diagonal, glance at the outside shoulder: you should be rising when it moves forward.