wundahoss
Posted : 8/7/2010 12:46:04 AM
Hi,
First & foremost, if you're scared, this won't help you learn to ride properly, as you'll be tight & reactive - more inclined to 'bump' too. So I would be sticking to walking until you're comfortable with that, then practice little bits of trotting - start with a few paces before asking the horse to slow again.
I know it's difficult when others are doing things you reckon you 'should' be able to, and they may be telling you you should - peer group pressure, feeling ashamed or such, but there's no rule to say you should trot just because others say so. It is hard learning to have a 'good seat' and you don't need to feel bad about taking however long you need to. Better to practice the 'right' things gradually than to rush in & end up practicing the wrong things! Aside from the fact that what's the point of riding a horse if you can't enjoy it??
Especially if you are getting 'tight' because of fear whenever you trot, so may be giving the horse the wrong signals, or otherwise not in full control, it is a good idea to start out doing this on lead or while lunged, so you can forget about control until you've learned to sit well. Make sure you have a good, (trustworthy!) person on the ground that won't allow the horse to keep trotting if you're not ready for it. It's also helpful to have a strap on the saddle to hold, or grab a tuft of mane, so you can hang on until you're comfortable doing it no hands. Trying to relax your body rather than being stiff is another key. Keeping a little weight on your toes & using your legs as 'shock absorbers' to reduce the jolting also helps.