Leg Stabilizing Exercise: 4x Posting, 4x 2-point

Today I had some riders have trouble with keeping their lower leg stable and finding their balance while posting the trot. So we did this:

4 beats posting, 4 beats 2-point

I started out having them practice 2 point at the trot. Once they were stable enough doing that, I had them post for 4 beats then return to two point until they found their balance again. When they could do this, I had them start alternating 2 point and posting every 4 beats, calling out loud “Posting trot 1, 2, 3, 4, 2 Point 1, 2, 3, 4…” and so on, adding in feedback along the way. This really helped and made me see why some people teaching posting from the 2 point. I also had them keep their hands on the horse’s neck. Perhaps neck week we will progress to taking the hands off the neck.

This exercise is a modification of one I learned from one of my mentors: use 4-4-4, which means 4 of one thing, 4 of another, and 4 of another. For example, 4 steps 2 point, 4 steps posting walk, 4 steps sitting.

This worked amazingly well for the two riders I used it on today.  Just wanted to share!

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Note: This is not professional advice, this is a blog. I am not liable for what you do with or how you use this information. The activities explained in this blog may not be fit for every rider, riding instructor, or riding center depending on their current condition and resources. Use your best personal judgment!

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