"Rising trot, please, rising trot.."
The posting trot is something most riders learn within their first few times on a horse, and is considered a basic fundamental skill.
But DID YOU KNOW that the posting trot can be modified to be absolutely torturous!? IT CAN.
Let's start "easy."
One great exercise that's perfect to do while your horse is still warming up on a long rein at the trot is something I like to call "up-up-down" posting. Instead of rising for one beat of the trot, you stay up for two, sit for one, then up for two again. It's helpful to think "up UP" and give a little extra push "up" with your pelvis on the second beat out of the saddle. I like this exercise because it really works your thighs, and also helps improve balance. Take it up a notch and stay up for three beats, sit for one. There will be burning, but don't be alarmed. The pain means it's working. If you're a bit of a masochist, drop your stirrups and do this one.
Another groin-buster is "hover posting". For this move, post in a normal "up-down" rhythm, but instead of sitting down in the saddle on the "down" beat, hover your seat an inch or so over the tack. It's helpful to ride in a bit of a more forward seat for this one, but if you can stay as upright as you normally do when riding the posting trot, you'll get a killer workout.
Happy riding! The fitter you are, the easier riding is, and the happier your horse will be to cart you around.
But DID YOU KNOW that the posting trot can be modified to be absolutely torturous!? IT CAN.
Let's start "easy."
One great exercise that's perfect to do while your horse is still warming up on a long rein at the trot is something I like to call "up-up-down" posting. Instead of rising for one beat of the trot, you stay up for two, sit for one, then up for two again. It's helpful to think "up UP" and give a little extra push "up" with your pelvis on the second beat out of the saddle. I like this exercise because it really works your thighs, and also helps improve balance. Take it up a notch and stay up for three beats, sit for one. There will be burning, but don't be alarmed. The pain means it's working. If you're a bit of a masochist, drop your stirrups and do this one.
Another groin-buster is "hover posting". For this move, post in a normal "up-down" rhythm, but instead of sitting down in the saddle on the "down" beat, hover your seat an inch or so over the tack. It's helpful to ride in a bit of a more forward seat for this one, but if you can stay as upright as you normally do when riding the posting trot, you'll get a killer workout.
Happy riding! The fitter you are, the easier riding is, and the happier your horse will be to cart you around.
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