Downward transitions

[alexa]

Can anyone give me some advice re downward transitions please. Upward ones are getting better and better and I am really pleased there but from canter to trot or from trot to walk are not as smooth as I would like.

thanks for any input.

[Sonia]

The downward transition from rising trot to walk is best acomplished by slightly slowing down the rising trot (as Heather teaches) with a subsequent closing of the upper thigh/seat muscles, with a slight resistance with the hands (not a backwards pull). This makes the transition much smoother than going from rising trot to sitting trot to walk.

Good luck
Sonia

[Maci]

When slowing from a canter to a trot, add more weight in you seat (or butt). As I learned in one of my previous posts, tensing your butt up a bit, makes them slow down, but as soon as they get down to desired pace, relax your butt again.

Maci :)

[Heather]

The latter part of your post is how I also teach Maci, but tensing your butt actually lightens your seat, not makes it heavier, as it lifts the skeleton upwards. This enables the horse to lift and round his back under you, which sitting more heavily encourages him to hollow.

Heather