Do You Have To Post When Riding A Horse?

The main reason to post while riding is to avoid being jostled around in the saddle during a particularly bumpy gait – the trot. This makes things more comfortable for the rider and is easier on the horse’s back.

Why do you post when riding a horse?

Posting is to rise out of the saddle seat for every other stride of the horse’s forelegs, thus smoothing out the jolts you will encounter if you just sit. This makes riding the trot much more comfortable for you and your horse. It doesn’t matter if you ride English or western.

Is it better to post or sit the trot?

During a lighter seat, or two-point position, forces on the horse’s back were even less. The general message here is that sitting trot creates the most impact and force on the horse’s back, while posting—and lighter seat variations—create much less. And, yes, Western disciplines should post the trot as well!

Why do people post while riding?

Posting is ideal for long-trotting, allowing your horse to trot for a longer period much more comfortably for both you and your horse, without making the horse back-sore.

Do you post while cantering?

Posting the canter in of itself is demonstrating that the rider is working harder than the horse, and by definition it is at best a distraction and at worst an insult to good riding.

When should you post on a horse?

The main reason to post while riding is to avoid being jostled around in the saddle during a particularly bumpy gait – the trot. This makes things more comfortable for the rider and is easier on the horse’s back.

What is the point of post trotting?

The posting trot is designed mostly for the comfort of the horse and to ease their back. Instead of the rider bouncing on the horse’s back, posting the trot is more gentle on the horse’s back.

Do you post when you gallop?

Almost every rider going by you will be “posting” at the gallop. Posting at the gallop means riders are alternating between falling (sitting?) down on their horses’ backs, then standing up and falling over their horses’ forehands.

Do Cowboys post when they ride?

Cowboys on the range always post the trot, having learned long ago just like their hunt seat comrades that the posting trot is not only the most comfortable when you’re covering long distances at a good clip but it produces balanced, evenly-muscled horses when you switch up your diagonals.

Do people post in western riding?

Though most Western riders prefer to sit the trot, it’s still a good idea to learn how to post. In most Western disciplines, the rider will sit to their horse’s trot. There are a few occasions where posting will be encouraged and almost necessary.

When should you sit when trotting?

Avoid starting on a horse with big, bouncy movement. Also avoid posting the trot just before you sit. Instead, stay seated in the saddle during the transition from walk to trot so that you feel the rhythm in the very first steps.

Why do we use sitting trot?

It allows you to stay in harmony with the dynamics of your horse’s gaits. It keeps you over his center of gravity, enabling him to carry you more easily. When you bounce, your shifting weight unbalances him and interferes with his movement and posture.