#6 Theres No 'Running' in Horsemanship!
I am embarrassed to admit it, but when I found out I would be trotting for the first time today, I wasn't even sure what it entailed being a new equestrian and all. I asked my trainer what the difference was between "trotting" and "running." I was immediately corrected by Kim (the star photographer/videographer) "There is no RUNNING in horsemanship!" So needless to say, I'm all clear on the lingo now, the trot is the next speed up from the walk, also known as a two beat gait.
I started my lesson with the familiar two-point position I have been practicing. I still feel extremely graceless when I do it, but I got the hang of it. For those who don't ride it looks very strange, but you have to post to the trot, rising up and down in rhythm with the horse to avoid being jolted. So basically it is telling yourself "up down up down" over and over while simultaneously using your five natural aids (Eyes, Voice, Hands, Seat/Body Weight, Legs) to remain in control.
This is fairly simple when the horse is walking, however, once we decided it was time for me to try "trotting," all this practice and five natural aids chatter went straight out the window! I did not calmly feel the rhythm at all, I felt like I was in a car that suddenly lost a tire! I felt completely uncoordinated. I calmed down, remembered to breathe and gave it a couple more shots and eventually got a feel for the rhythm.
After the lesson I felt pretty jittery, mostly from the nerves. It takes a lot of concentration, patients and relaxation, which is hard to combine when you are afraid. It is amazing how much control you have when you really concentrate. Now that I sort of have the feel of what a posting trot is I just need to practice. I have to admit at the end of the lesson I felt like learning to control such a powerful animal can give even the most timid rider a boost of self confidence. "Up down up down", I will be saying this in my sleep!
Do you have a hard time concentrating on the five natural aids? I am hoping these start to sink in. Please leave me a comment!
Comments
Karisa, about 1 year ago
Ha! She yelled at you? Too funny! Thanks for sharing:)
Denny, about 1 year ago
If you can jump out of a plane at 13'000 ft, you can surely drive one of those horses.
Dolly, about 1 year ago
I have a Granddaughter who loves to trot....she gets the giggles every time....LOL..and the biggest smile.....a very small 10 year old! LOL (via Facebook)
Terri, about 1 year ago
Way to go! We ride western here in northwestern Arizona - posting is necessary when climbing mountains only to keep the butt-bruises at a minimum! Can Troxel ever come up with a helmet to protect our seat bones? Keep working - it'll come!
Karisa, about 1 year ago
Terri thanks for the feedback! That is a first request for a helmet to protect our seat bones!
Krystal, about 1 year ago
Congrats on your first trot! With time and practice, it will start to feel like second nature. I always have to remind myself to breathe and it helps so much. You're doing great!
Karisa, about 1 year ago
Thanks so much Jeannette! Ha! Like riding a bike! Appreciate your feedback:) Karisa
Horsemom Stableperson, about 1 year ago
I remember my first trot! I was very young. My family & I were vacationing on a "guest farm" in PA. Every evening there was horseback riding in a fenced in pasture. Basically it was dragging along at a walk around & around. I was "allowed" ...to ride on my own ( without somebody leading the horse). It was western tack. Well, I was on this adorable little bay mare. I had the bight of the reins in my right hand and I thought, "I wonder what THIS is for?" and gave her a little slap on the shoulder. She picked up the nicest jog, and I was so proud of my self when the mean lady leading the ride YELLED at me! LOL I wasn't even going fast! Back to the walk we went. (via Facebook)
Shawna, about 1 year ago
Yayyy Karissssssa!! It looks like you are totally getting the hang out it :)
Looking good girl, keep it up!!
Veronica, about 1 year ago
Woohoo!!!! You will be loping (galloping) soon. It is much easier. Keep practicing. I am so proud of you. You look more relaxed
Jeannette, about 1 year ago
I LOVE the journey & am sharing it with a new rider friend of mine as well.
At least in the fantasy video in my head, I used to canter around the hills of Santee (pre tract home takeover!) with the wind in my hair (pre-sanity about head protection!)and not a care in the world but I never liked that "inbetween" gait, the trot. It was walk... tolerate the trot a few steps ...and right up into a canter or gallop. There was never any posting going on in that western saddle....no lessons either! That poor, dear saint of a horse come to think of it!
It was not until my mid-40s when I got my first owned horse and was working with a trainer who put me on her the first time and asked if I could post. Not wanting to seem like a total lame-o, I said "it's been awhile" when in fact I had NO idea what she was talking about but hoped that the excuse of a lengthy time lapse would get me through the embarrassment of failure. It was a bouncy start but she had me say "Up Down, Up Down" out loud & I got it by the second time around the round pen. She said "See, it's like riding a bike, you never actually forget" but I had to laugh because I had never actually learned.
Geez, I hope she's not reading this and finds out our relationship started out with lies!!! ;-)
I look forward to your following posts (blog and trot!) Keep up the good work!!
Erica, about 1 year ago
You are so right! I remember feeling this when I first started riding, you will get it, just keep up that practice!