Using Your Seat

[EquestrianRider]

I want to focus on using my seat for transitions rather than relying as much on the reins. Any tips on how to use your seat? Last time I rode I really focused on asking my horse to go from the trot to a walk by just using my seat and saying "Whoa." A couple times we got it, but I think it will take awhile to really get this horse used to it (this is a lesson horse).

So basically how can I use my seat to communicate to my horse?

Thanks!:)

[Tangle]

How are you at listening with your seat? You need to be able to sit quietly (develop a "neutral" seat) before you can start to influence the horse with it - otherwise your aids will be lost in the noise.

Once you can "listen", start by adjusting the pace within a gait - try and slow down the walk by slowing your seat and, once the horse resonds, release and allow them to walk out again. Keep your reins very quiet unless the horse doesn't listen - then give him a quick reminder. Most of them pick up that your were giving them a signal pretty quickly and will respond the next time :)

When you can vary the pace in walk and trot with just your seat, you should be able to slow down the trot so much that he comes back to walk :)

The most important thing with a lesson horse is to be as consistent as possible from the moment you get on - don't wriggle around in the saddle for 1/2 hour and then suddenly expect him to listen to your seat ;)

Good luck :)