Buggs and Me Sitting Trot 3/29/09

This is me riding Buggs at a sitting trot. Feel free to critique and comment -just please don't be mean! Constructive criticism only! I have been riding him for approximately a year and a half now, and It wasn't until four months ago that I figured out how to sit his trot. I know I'm not perfect -my arms (particularly my left one) get stiff, my legs swing a little, stomach not tight enough, etc.
However, considering how choppy, tense, and rushed his trot used to be, I think this is awesome for him. He's carrying himself correctly now, and doesn't hollow his back anymore.
Oh, and sorry about the music... the original audio quality wasn't really great (there were really loud footsteps in the background)... couldn't resist techno that matched the beat of his trot so well : )

[@MindyKitten]

aww very nice sitting trot =) i wish i did so well, i've been riding for very long but im still not satisfied with mine, i just never get the grip of it. Thanks^^

[@Whinny11791]

Thanks : ) Yeah, he's really come a long way

[@Whinny11791]

My best advice to you is to follow your horse's movements -if you look closely, you'll see my hips moving in line with Buggs' shoulders. The trot is not a straight forward gait -the horse's body swings side to side as he moves. Feel the horse's movements at the walk -you're not really moving forward and backward, but side to side. Practice feeling the horse's barrel swing from side to side and get a feeling for following the movements. Also, relax! If you pinch up, it's impossible to sit deeply.

[@Whinny11791]

thanks : )

[@totalhunterjumper]

O my gosh your soo good at sitting trot how do you do it?

[@devonlovesu78]

what kind of horse is this ? its really pretty

[@Whinny11791]

To see the movement I'm talking about, look at the video around 0:15. Hope I've helped! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

[@mpinoni1]

GREAT you just need your heels down some more and youll be PERFECT!

[@juliaannie1825]

try doing a very slow jog at first ... they are much easier to sit.. and also don't tense or it will throw your balance off. Let your weight sink to your heels and communicate with your horse through body language and the reins :)