I don't think my position is helping

[Drummers mum]

Help me I'm all over the place!

You may have read about my canter problems with Drummer, well this has sort of grown from that. Cantering is kind of getting there but thats his training not mine.

I can't seem to get comfy in the saddle. I'm fine in walk, I take my stirrups away and stretch etc and my leg position is ok. But when trot comes I think my riding is getting worse. I try to keep my leg back and under me but it feels all over the place (rising and sitting)

I have allready shortened my stirrups a hole which helped keep my heels down but up another hole they were too short and I tipped about and felt perched with no brakes as I couldn't seem to sit back.

I know I rise too high but with Drummers fast pony trot I can't seem to not. My toes stick out and my legs go forward. Then when Drummer gets wizzy I have no control and tip.

Please help what have I started doing wrong? This is a new problem.

:( :( :(

[kathyt1]

I would recommend getting the book "Enlightened Equitation" by Heather Moffett (see Kinder Way to Ride on the board). It is a very informative book.
The only advice I can really offer you is with the "fast pony trot". Try slowing your rise to make the trot calmer, also think of rising trot as a "forward/back" instead of "up/down" it makes life a lot easier! The book explains this really well.

Good Luck.

[hometrotter]

An ill fitting saddle can have a lot to do with problems with position. (I mean ill fitting to the rider not the horse.) Also on a fast trotter sometimes it seems counterproductive to keep your lower leg on the horse's girth because you will think it will just make him trot faster, but that is the best way to keep your lower leg still and then just pulse it for more impulsion if you need it, sit up straight and rise to the trot by pushing your belly button forward. Have fun and relax, that is the best way to go.

http://home.netcom.com/~tdmt/hometrotter