Posting Trot Basics

Before you start

Step by step

1. 1

   Start at a balanced walk and check your position.

   ✓Check: Eyes up, shoulders soft.

2. 2

   Ask for trot with your instructor’s cue, then find the rhythm: rise, sit, rise, sit.

   ✓Check: I can count the rhythm.

3. 3

   Keep hands quiet and don’t pull yourself up with the reins.

   ✓Check: Hands steady.

4. 4

   Let your knees and ankles act like springs; breathe.

   ✓Check: I feel bouncy, not stiff.

5. 5

   If you lose the rhythm, come back to walk and reset.

   ✓Check: I can reset calmly.

Common mistakes

• Standing too tall out of the saddle
• Holding breath

Coach cues

Stop and get help if

Key terms

• Trot
• Rhythm
• Focus

Practice drills

• Posting RhythmFind a steady rise-and-sit rhythm.›
• Posting DiagonalsLearn to check your diagonal (with instruction).›

Next lessons

• Cool Down After a RideA simple cool-down routine that supports horse comfort and recovery.›