Downward Transitions

[Chris]

I just began riding about a few weeks ago
and I only take lessons now and then when time permits. My question is how do you do a downward transition from one gait to another?

[Heather]

All downward transitions are effectively the same, whether from walk to halt, trot to walk, canter to trot etc. In order to make a downward transition, simultaneously close the lower leg and squeeze together the seat/upper thigh muscles. The horse feels the difference between you moving with him, and then arresting that movement by the tightening of the buttock muscles and upper thighs. It is not an action that causes the horse discomfort, because it lightens the seat in the saddle, enabling him to lift and round his back with ease. The reins should never be used in a backward pulling manner, which will cause a tug of war between horse and rider, but by closing the fingers of alternate hands as if squeezing water out of a sponge. Give two squeezes with the fingers of the left hand, then two with the right hand fingers. I have found this works best, although you won't find it in any book -except mine that is!

[Farm_Girl5]

I have only just started lessons too but to get a horse to slow down sit deep in the saddle and breathe out really slowly. It will stop you moving and the horse will slow down or change speeds. I hope this helps
Kristy

[Heather]

Be careful that when told to sit 'deep' in the saddle, that you do not misconstrue this as sitting more heavily. Do not attempt to push your weight down onto the horse's back, as it is very uncomfortable for him, and can damage his back. The term 'sitting deep' comes from dressage terminology, and means wrapping the whole leg around the horse so that as the Germans say 'it clings like a wet cloth'. In this way, you will spread your weight around the whole of the horse's sides, and not concentrate the weight on top of his back. It will also give you a much more secure seat.
If you want to have a look at the leg position that I am advocating, check out my website address which contains some photos. http://www.piaffe.org/heather_moffett