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Re: [RC] re: Barbara's diagonal ? - Beverley H. Kane, MDTitle: Re: [RC] re: Barbara's diagonal ?To answer part of the original question, the diagonal is named for the horse’s front leg for which we are posting up or rising. That’s the convention. Biomechanically, it doesn’t matter what you call it as long as you know where you are and how to switch. After 5 years of English lessons, I can just now get my left diagonal by feel instead of by looking down. (Could always feel the right.) <sigh> My endurance mentor, who is also a Centered Riding instructor, has me post on the uphill (inside) diagonal when riding on a trail canted to the left or right. On a curved trail, we post to the diagonal on the outside of the curve, same as in an arena. (Angie’s intuitive way.) My mnemonic is “Post to the most.” That is, if there’s a bluff to your left, and a 50’ drop off to your right, post to the side with the most land. >From frequent vet scribing, I hear vets tell riders to change diagonals often, at least every quarter mile or so, especially if there’s anything iffy on the back exam. I find “diagonal wars” highly comical w/ horses that throw you back onto their favored side. I always laugh when they do it—and try to sneak in the balance side a minute or so later. Beverley On 4/13/07 8:35 AM, "Barbara McCrary" <bigcreekranch@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: I took lessons about 25 years ago, just to learn to change diagonals. Previously, I had always posted on one diagonal only. I was taught to come down as a front leg came down. So I came down as the right leg came down, or vice versa. I always thought that as I came down with the horse's right front leg also coming down, that was the right diagonal. And I came down with the horse coming down on his inside front leg. I think that is the same thing you are saying, but you said rise with the outside shoulder. Am I right, or just confused?_______
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