Posting Diagonals

[SmokeKandeeBar]

I have ridden western for about 6 years and last April I began taking English riding lessons. I can't believe the progress I have made, I'm already jumping. The hardest part is the stupid posting diagonals! I can't seem to get them! I look at the outside shoulder and see if i'm sitting when it's coming in and rising when its going out, and I think I got it right but my instructor tells me its wrong. Its so frusterating. Does anyone have any tips as to how to get on the correct diagonal? I'm beginning to think i'll never get it!:( Thanks so much!

[galadriel]

I have an article on diagonals and why they're important. It can help to know *why* you're doing it, as well as what you're supposed to be doing. It may also give you new ideas about how to make sure that you're on the correct diagonal.
http://lorienstable.com/articles/riding/450-trotting-diagonals/

[Jenks]

Yesterday, on my 12th lesson, I figured out my sure fire way. When I'm walking, prior to trotting, it's much easier to tell which front leg is down because you kind of get turned toward it as it goes down, back and under the horse (I had to do this with my eyes closed too and that is how it felt) my hips turn toward it. I start the post at a sit to start with while his outside foot hits the ground from the first or second beat of the trot depending. Seat down when the outside foot is down. Yesterday my instructor did not tell me once to switch my diagonal except when trotting from the canter! It felt awesome!

I still cannot sit a canter well, it's getting better, but I still make a little slapping noise sometimes and I lean back too far and finding the diagonal from a canter I cannot do yet!

PS-I'm going right to galadriel's link to see!

[SharlieJumper]

I've always used the saying "rise and fall with the leg on the wall." It is a good way to remember when you should be up, and when you should be down. Eventually you will be able to get the right diagonal just be feeling. Until then, a quick look down at the shoulder every time you begin to trot will help. You might even want to sit the first couple of beats and check your diagonal before you begin to post.

[horseychicnz]

Diagonals do take a while to get the hang of. Espically if your like me and very one sided - I naturally post on the same diagonal. You'll get it though with lots of practise! Good luck :)