Trot
Many people find trotting jarring and uncomfortable. In a trot, the two diagonal feet of a horse strike the ground at the same time. This impact causes the initial jarring motion. However, a bouncy trot is generally caused less by the horse and more by the rider. As a rule: the more relaxed the rider, the smoother the trot.
Many people become nervous when a horse begins to trot. They squeeze with their legs to hold on to the horse and pull on the reins in an effort to keep the horse from going too fast. Both reactions cause the horse to become tense. When a horse becomes tense, his motions are not as smooth.
In the posting trot, the rider allows the horse's movement to lift him out of the saddle. At the same time, the rider uses his abdominal muscles to pull his hips in a forward motion. Many riders tend to transform the rising trot into deep knee bends exerting much more effort than necessary. At the same time, they often loose their balance and "plop" back into the saddle causing the horse to stiffen his back muscles to absorb the shock. This, in turn, makes the trot even rougher.
A rider who lets the horse's movement do the lifting and concentrates on the forward motion of his own body posts much more smoothly. He can also use this forward motion to control the horse's speed and stride. Normally, a little more effort in this forward motion causes a little more "forward" motion on the part of the horse.
For many people, a good sitting trot can prove more of a challenge than a posting trot. Beginners can limit the jarring effect of the trot by lightening their seat and taking more weight in the stirrups while, at the same time, using their legs as shock absorbers.
More experienced riders still allow their legs to flex during the sitting trot, but keep more of their weight in the saddle, sitting deep as they allow their body to follow the horse's motion. This technique allows the rider to use his seat as one of his methods for directing the horse's movement. Without sitting deep in the saddle, the rider cannot perform a proper "half halt" used, among other purposes, to collect the horse.
A properly collected horse rounds his back rather than making it hollow. This difference in the shape of the horse makes a spectacular difference in the quality as well as the comfort of the trot.
Proper trotting can only be achieved through much practice. Proper instruction in the trot can only be done through observing the rider and correcting faults as they occur. As in all riding, a proper trot begins with a proper seat, balance, and relaxation.
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