light trot with hands 'free'?

[Annabelle]

Hello, I have had 6 riding lessons now, (on the 'longe'), and I really enjoy it. I know there is still a lot to learn, and I am already worried that I cannot take the first hurdle, even though people around me say I will eventually: this is it: is there a trick or so how I can learn to stay in place/balance without pulling on the rope around the horse's head, when I am trotting and going up-down? It seems to me difficult to trot with 'hands free', if not impossible, but I have to learn otherwise I will pull the reins! I apologise if this question has been asked before, and also I apologise for the terminology I use!
Annabelle

[Perry]

hi annabelle , i had to learn rising trot hands free on the lunge and found if i put my hands on my thighs without pushing down on them , just a light touch , it helped emensely with my balance also it helped me learn to keep a fairly light pull on the reins when i,m riding , it worked for me , why not try it , hope you stick with it you,ll have a great time after a few more lessons i,m sure and good luck

[intouch]

Try finding your balance with your seat out of the saddle first! Lean a little on the horses neck till you get the feel of it, then put your hands on your thighs or on your waist. Then sit down gently in the same balance and continue rising. You might find you are leaning a bit too far forward to begin with but this will come. Don't expect too much too soon, remember the Spanish Riding School students spend their first year on the lunge! (So i'm told)

[Elissa]

I haven't done either of the excercises above (though I probably should to make sure I'm not riding with heavy hands); it just took me a while to remember - and train my legs - to grip at the knees, not with my hands. Just relax and post with your knees, try to concentrate on keeping your hands down and maybe resting on the neck until you're used to it. Practice a lot!

[Annabelle]

Thank you very much for all your advice! I am going to try to put my hands on my thighs, relax and post with my knees. Hmm, after a while I will get the hang of it, I am starting to believe!
Also, it is good to know the Riders in the Spanish School are on the lunge for so long ;-) as I am beginning to feel a bit clumsy after 6 lessons. How do you all learn (the first time)to ride without a lunge, and with reins? I am used to cycling, so that is why I cling to that rope...
Best,
Annabelle