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[RC] diagonals - Tx TriggerI was not taught by watching the shoulders of the horse move, but by watching the horses foot hit the ground. Maybe this was easier for them to explain to a 9 year old kid. I dunno. Anyway, in an arena when the front hoof towards the inside of the ring hit the ground out in front of the horse, you are "up". Thus, if going counterclock wise in a ring, with the left side of the horse to the inside of the ring, you would be on the "left" diagonal, and in the rise, or "up" when that left front hit the ground in front of the horse. Also, as a kid, I was taught to sit the two beats to change diagonals, but later learned to stay "up" and light and balanced for the two beats, and it was smoother and easier on the horse. The problem some have is they have to lean way out and over to the side to see the foot hit the ground in the beginning, but as one rides more, you can feel it, or hear it. I prefer the right diagonal , so I just remind myself to change to the left when I think about it, and in turn, I ride both fairly even. As far as sloped trails, I seem to feel which has that more balanced feel as we trot. I remember when Erin McChesney (Klentos) won Tevis the first time, she mentioned her dressage background, and what diagonals she was on for certain types of trails. I think it does make a difference, but just can't remember all of what she said. Jonni =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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