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Re: [RC] Equitation Tip of the Day - k s swigartFrom: "Smith, Dave" <dsmith@xxxxxxxxxxxx> Question for Kat: My mustang has a relatively slow trot that he seems most comfortable in. At this particular gait, his trot is so smooth that I can "sit" with just a very minimal amount of "posting." When he speeds up, I do post, but he seems to be able to go forever in the slower version. I wonder whether I might be working his back too hard when I sit his slow trot. What do you think? --Dave Without seeing you and the horse....(note the disclaimer); I would have to say it depends upon your definition of "minimal amount of posting." For me, any minimal amount of posting means you aren't actually sitting the trot. If the minimal amount of posting you are doing is just the amount that the horse is throwing you up out of the saddle such that you aren't having to use your legs to lift yourself out of the saddle, then I would say this amount is just right for both you and the horse. If it isn't very much, it is probably because the horse doesn't have a long moment of suspension during the trot gait, but also because you are getting more forward motion than upward motion....which can be a very efficient way to move. However, if the minimal amount of posting you are doing could also be described as "bumping along in the saddle slightly behind the horse's motion" then this probably is pretty hard on the horse's back; although some horses do tolerate it pretty well. From what you describe, it sounds a bit more like the former (and when the horse uses a bigger more elevated trot, then you post bigger because the horse is throwing you up higher). If this slow jog along with your minimal posting is the pace the horse chooses if you don't expend a bunch of effort pushing him into something bigger and you don't expend a bunch of effort slowing him down, then it is probably the horses "working trot." In which case, _I_ would use it as my primary gait of choice. I would also vary things depending on terrain, footing, etc. (and if there isn't the terrian or footing to require you to vary things, I would vary it occasionally anyway just to use some different muscle groups) and include some of the bigger trot, some cantering, and some walking....because I am a big believer in "a change is as good as a rest." kat Orange County, Calif. :) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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