Horse riding techniques

Trot

Trotting is a two-beat gait that’s faster than a walk but slower than a canter. It can feel bouncy at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be trotting confidently in no time.

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Here’s how to get started:

1. Start with a Safe, Calm Horse

Choose a well-trained horse that’s used to beginners. Always wear a helmet and ride under the supervision of an instructor when you’re learning.

2. Sit Tall and Balanced

Before asking for the trot, make sure your posture is correct:

Sit deep in the saddle with your shoulders back.
Keep your heels down and your legs gently hugging the horse’s sides.
Hold the reins softly but firmly, with your elbows bent.

3. Ask for the Trot

Once you’re walking calmly:

Gently squeeze the horse’s sides with your lower legs to ask for the trot.
If the horse doesn’t respond, add a little more pressure or give a small “cluck” sound.
Stay relaxed as the horse transitions into the trot.

4. Understand the Two Types of Trot

Sitting Trot: You stay seated in the saddle the whole time. It’s harder because of the bounce but great for learning balance.
Rising Trot: You rise and sit in rhythm with the horse’s steps. This is easier on your body and the horse’s back for longer rides.

5. How to Post the Trot

Most beginners start with the posting trot. Here’s how:

Feel the horse’s rhythm—it’s a steady “up-down” motion.
Rise out of the saddle slightly as the horse’s outside front leg (the one closest to the fence or trail edge) moves forward.
Sit back down as the inside front leg steps forward.
Think “up-down, up-down” in a smooth, gentle rhythm. Don’t push with your feet—let the horse’s movement help you lift.

6. Keep Your Balance

Keep your core engaged and hands steady.
Look ahead—not down.
Keep your legs in contact with the saddle for stability.
Don’t grip with your knees—relax your thighs.

7. Slow Down When You’re Ready

To return to a walk:

Sit deeper in the saddle.
Gently pull back on the reins and say “whoa” or use your voice calmly.
Reward your horse with a pat!

8. Tips for Success

Practice short stretches of trotting at first.
Don’t worry if it feels bumpy—it gets better!
Breathe, stay relaxed, and smile. Horses respond well to calm energy.

canter

Cantering is a three-beat gait that’s faster than a trot. It feels smoother and more rhythmic than trotting, but it takes some practice to feel comfortable. Here’s how to ease into the canter confidently:

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1. Start with a Trustworthy Horse: Choose a calm, responsive horse that’s trained to canter smoothly. Always wear a helmet and have an instructor present during your first few attempts.

2. Check Your Position First: Before asking for the canter, your posture should be steady and balanced

Sit deep in the saddle with your seat bones evenly placed.
Keep your shoulders back and relaxed.
Heels down, toes pointing slightly up, and legs gently wrapped around the horse.
Hold the reins with soft but steady contact—don’t pull or lock your hands.

3. Ask for the Canter:From a steady trot, ask the horse to canter:

Move into a sitting trot to prepare for the transition.
Slightly slide your outside leg back behind the girth (to cue the horse’s outside hind leg).
Keep your inside leg at the girth for support.
Gently squeeze with both legs and add a vocal cue like “canter” or a kissing sound.
Stay calm and let your hips move with the horse’s motion as it transitions into the canter.

4. Understand the Canter Rhythm: The canter has a three-beat rhythm followed by a moment of suspension

Outside hind leg.
Inside hind + outside front leg.
Inside front leg.
It feels like a rocking motion—more fluid than trotting.

5. Ride the Canter:Once you’re cantering

Sit deep and allow your hips to follow the horse’s motion—don’t bounce or grip.
Keep your upper body upright, not leaning forward.
Stay centered and balanced in the saddle.
Keep your hands quiet and steady, following the horse’s head movement softly.

6. Returning to a Trot or Walk: When you’re ready to slow down

Sit deeper and stop moving your hips with the horse.
Apply gentle rein pressure and use a verbal cue like “whoa.”
Use your seat and legs to support a smooth transition.
Reward your horse with a pat or kind word.

7. Tips for Success

Try cantering in a circle or on the long side of an arena—it’s easier for control.
Don’t rush! Practice a few strides at a time.
If you feel unbalanced, return to the trot and regroup.
Canter with a trainer or lunge line until you feel confident.
Stay relaxed and trust the rhythm—it gets easier every time.