Downhill

[dcp]

Any tips for going down hill in trot? Bit of background I'm not a great rider and I loose my balance easy. I can see myself going right over my horses head. Also impossible to do sitting trot (well for me anyway :rolleyes: ). When I'm out on a hack people are trying to get me to trot downhill but I'm scared please help. ;)

[smaggi]

First don't let anyone talk you into doing anything that you don't feel you are ready for. There is no shame in staying at a walk downhill or even leading your horse.

I don't think I would try posting trot downhill. Sitting trot seems impossible at first, butonce you figure it out, you'll wonder why it was so hard originally. I think the biggest hurdle to overcome in sitting trot is to relax your seat. Maybe you can get someone to put you on a lunge line so you can figure it out. When you are in a trot on a lunge, try singing or twisting at the waist to help you relax. My instructor used to have me rag doll to learn the sitting trot. You start at the toes and relax every part of your body one part at a time. Then start to flex all of your parts one at a time. It makes you very aware of where you have any muscle tension.