Diagonal

[StephA]

Can somebody please tell me how to check you are on the right diagonal as I am getting confused with having different people say different things.

I have never had a problem before but now I keep seeming to be on the wrong one since having a new instructor


Thanks!!

[hApPiNeSs]

you should be following the outside should - ie the shoulder by the wall.

This means that when the horses outside leg goes forwards, you should be rising, and when it comes back you should be sitting.

You can check you are on the right diagonal by watching the horse's outside shoulder. When it goes forwards, rise, and when it comes back, sit.

Eventually you will be able to do it by feel, but dont worry about that yet

If you are on the wrong diagonal, sit for two beats (instead of one) to change legs :)

[StephA]

Think I explained that wrong. It was the correcting myself bit I was getting confused on. I always sit for 2 if I go into rising on the wrong one but a lady told me to stand?! Is this right? I didnt think it was?

So then I thought I was doing the wrong correction. I can feel if I am on the right one but it confused me when she said this! :o :rolleyes:

Has anybody else ever heard of this?

[LMS]

Does she want you to 2pt or stand for a change? Regardless, the proper way to change a posting diagonal is to sit it.

Hmmm, I wonder where this lady got the idea from?

LMS

[Styric]

Easy way to remember: "Rise and fall to the wall"

[Shiny McShine]

It's not unacceptable to rise for two beats to change your diagonal, it's just not as commonly practiced. I assume it's easier for people to learn sitting for two because sitting down requires a lot less balance than standing!

I sometimes stand for two beats to change diagonal just for something different, or when I was riding track work with tiddly little stirrups - standing was just that much easier!

[Purple Hugs]

be careful if 'watching' the shoulder.. as your head is the heaviest part of your body.. if it leans forward when you aren't paying attention to it... you'll fall!

LIKE ME! :eek: :o