How do you do it.. COllection and Extension?

[Nickie]

Can anyone help me? I have accidentaly had my pony do a collected trot but I don't know how to ask him to do it again.

How do I ask for collection and extention in any/all of the three lower gaits?

Nicola

[Speedy]

The most important thing is that the rhythm stays constant. For collection, lighten your seat, keep your legs on strongly and half halt. It helps (when he's learning) to over accent your rising, so he knows that you want him to keep trotting and not canter. Use your legs in time with his legs and think about lifting him up into you with your legs.

For extension, again use strong leg aids, give slightly with your hands to allow him to go forwards and push him forwards with your seat - try to do this on the long side and push coming out of the corner, as it really helps them.

Hope this makes sense and good luck

[Bebe]

As Speedy said but I also try to think of sucking the horse up with my seat whilst collected and sending him up and forwards with it during extensions.

Amanda