What is Posting?
Posting is a traditional riding technique that enables a rider to move with the horse’s natural rhythm and flow. It is a very important skill to learn and can often mean the difference between a pleasant ride and a very uncomfortable one. Posting involves the rider rising up and down in the saddle with the horse’s trot, while remaining in balance. It is a skill that requires practice and patience, but with the right instruction and technique, you can become an accomplished post rider in no time.
The Basics of Posting
When it comes to posting, the most important thing to remember is to stay relaxed. This is because tension in the body can easily be transferred to the horse. As such, it is important to try to remain centered and balanced in the saddle. Additionally, you should make sure that your hands are relaxed and that your elbows are slightly bent.
In order to post correctly, you should focus on the horse’s movement and try to match it. As the horse’s trot begins, your body should rise out of the saddle. As the horse’s trot continues, you should rise up, then gently settle back down into the saddle. This should be done in a smooth and steady motion, as any jerking or pulling can cause the horse to become confused or uncomfortable. Additionally, you should make sure to stay in sync with the horse’s rhythm and not rush ahead of it.
The Posting Trot
In order to post correctly, the horse should be in a posting trot. This means that the horse is moving in a two-beat gait, with the beat consisting of a period of suspension followed by a period of impact. When the horse’s hind legs are on the ground, the rider should be rising out of the saddle. As the horse’s front legs are on the ground, the rider should be settling back down into the saddle.
It is important to note that some horses may have a more difficult time transitioning into the posting trot. In these cases, it may be necessary to use a device such as a martingale or a draw rein in order to help the horse move in the correct gait. Additionally, it may be necessary to use a posting block or a stirrup leather to help the rider maintain the correct position.
Tips for Posting
When it comes to posting, there are a few tips that can help you improve your skills. For starters, you should always keep your hands steady and maintain a light contact with the horse’s mouth. Additionally, you should make sure to keep your eyes focused on a point ahead of you in order to maintain balance and focus.
It is also important to maintain correct posture in the saddle. This means sitting up straight, with your shoulders back and your legs in the correct position. Additionally, you should make sure to keep your heels down and your toes pointing forward.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any skill, the key to becoming a proficient post rider is practice. As such, it is important to make sure that you are taking the time to practice your posting skills in each and every ride. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you are taking the time to practice your posture, balance, and coordination.
In order to practice your posting skills, it is a good idea to start off slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you are taking the time to get feedback from your instructor. This will help to ensure that you are learning the correct technique and that you are making progress in your riding.
Conclusion
Posting is an essential skill for any horse rider and it takes time and practice to master it. By taking the time to practice your posture, balance, and coordination, as well as getting feedback from your instructor, you can become an expert post rider in no time. With the right technique and instruction, you can develop the skills necessary to become an accomplished post rider.