Trot Hot Shot

Sammie was amazing today! So light at the front and so lifted and all in sitting trot. Wow! What a great feeling - I literally just sat there, no legs, just closing and opening my seat. RI said he looked lovely and impressive, but I just can't get over that feeling. I just love sitting trot (never thought I'd say that) and Sammie is now better in sitting trot than rising. RI said that's because he's really working through properly which makes it easier for me to sit and he's comfortable like that.

Boy, I'll never cease to be amazed by how tiny, tiny seat changes can bring about a whole host of changes. As soon as I lifted slightly and brushed Sammie forwards with my legs off he goes.

I started off by saying I'd like to get a better walk. So we lifted, brushed forwards and if nothing happened I tapped my boot. RI reckons Sammie finds the walk rather boring now, but by the end we were getting some better strides.

I was just feeling great when RI threw in another challenge - stay sitting at trot but open him up down the long side of the school. Hmmm... well that ain't quite so easy to sit to just yet! You have to lean very slightly backwards, get your pelvis underneath you and release. Bless him, Sammie did it, but I need to get better at sitting to that extended pace!

Then we worked on paces within the canter - letting him out a bit down the long side and collecting up at the top ends. Not as easy as it sounds I can tell you! You really have to use your back and stomach muscles - mine were groaning by the end.

Before we did all of that we did lots of transitions - trot to halt, halt to walk, walk to halt, halt to trot. It really does lighten him up at the front which is why I think we got such a lovely sitting trot.

Once again RI said how well we're doing and that people can have lessons for years and not come on nearly as much. She also said he still looks absolutely fine on his feet as well. I know he is, but it's good to hear other people say that as well.