Diagonals

[Bets]

Hello All,
Just a quick question? I'm having trouble starting to post on the correct diagnol. Its tricky and we have done some excercises together, but sometimes I get it and sometimes I don't...Any suggestions?
I heard it takes a while to learn...Any experiences you could share?
Thanks a Bunch!
-Bets

 

[SIXTEN]

HI! The easiest way to know that you are on the correct diagonal is to look down at the horse's "shoulder blade": when the outside shoulde blade goes up you should rise. The reason for this, from what I understand, is that this is when his outside hindleg is stepping under.

Remember to look at the shoulder and follow the motion of the back. good luck !

 

[CLAUDIA]

Yes, that's the way I do it too. A friend of mine does it the opposite way though. She looks at the outside shoulder and sits when it's back. She thinks it's easier that way.

With most horse's I can feel when I'm on the right diagonal, but there's one horse at the barn that I can never get the right one on without looking. Who knows?! I hope to get better at it in time.

Well, good luck!!

 

[Nancy]

I glance down at my hand. When the outside shoulder is showing just past my knuckles, I'm up. It saves you from pulling your head too far forward to see his shoulder. Of course, your hands have to be in the correct position!
Happy Trails,
Nancy

 

[KarlR]

Technically, you should try and learn how to feel the horses hind leg coming underneath because looking down is a bad idea!

That said, it isn't always easy, and I learnt by glancing at the outside shoulder to judge it.

Once you are a little more used to the correct diagonal though, consider "feeling" for the hind legs!