Sitting trot without stirrups is a nightmare

[KaylaSaidWhat]

I can't do it to save my life. It was my 20th lesson today and the instructor asked us to drop the stirrups and do sitting trot. It's honestly a miracle I didn't fall off. I would sit it for about 5 seconds and then I was about to fall off so I'd grab the pommel and put my feet back in the stirrups. I just couldn't do it without losing my balance. I feel like I'm so horrible at riding since I was the only one who couldn't do it. And the horse i was riding has a generally smooth trot so it should have been a bit easier for me. Is this a balance issue? Am I supposed to be able to do it after 20 lessons? Any exercises to do off the saddle to help me?

 

[Doodle92]

I can't do sitting trot and have been riding for longer! It's more about moving with the horse and absorbing the movement rather than trying to sit still. Luckily I can avoid it as just ride my own horse.

 

[Jessey]

I find the more relaxed I am the easier it is. It's normally from trying too hard and gripping that makes you get unbalanced, when you tense, your body can’t absorb the movement.

 

[carthorse]

Yes, although you may not feel like it relaxing is key. Also keep the trot slow, almost a jog to begin with, and don't hang onto the reins because if the horse braces against you it's almost impossible to do.

 

[chunky monkey]

I wouldnt worry that you were the only one who couldn't do it. At least you tried. I bet there are things you can do that those other riders cant.

Id been riding a good number of years before i got it. I even had my own horse to practice on. I could not sit to the trot at all. However i got it by pure flook one day. I took a horse on loan and whilst i was getting to know him i started to trot him. By magic i suddenly realised that i wasnt rising his trot but was infact sitting his trot. I can remember i was so proud of myself for finally after all those years getting it. I actually also realised that i mastered it in a very unconventional way by swinging my feet and lower leg with his body movement. I was then able to transition this rhythm back onto my own horse to learn it on him. With plenty of practice after that, i then learned to sit the trot without swinging my lower leg.

Just keep at it and dont be too disheartened.