Posting on a horse means rising slightly out of the saddle and then sitting back down in rhythm with the horse’s trot. This movement helps absorb the jarring impact of the trot, making the ride smoother for both you and your horse.
If you are new to riding, learning the proper way to post is one of the first and most crucial skills you will acquire. This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know, from preparing your horse to mastering the rhythm. Learning this skill is a key step in enjoying your time in the saddle. Good horse riding tips start with a solid seat.
Preparing for Your Ride: Setting the Stage for Success
Before you even think about moving your seat in the trot, you must ensure you and your horse are ready. Safety and comfort come first.
Horse Tacking Up Instructions
Properly fitting tack is essential for a safe and effective ride. If you are riding at a school or stable, an instructor will usually help with this part, but knowing the steps is important. This covers horse tacking up instructions.
- Grooming: Start with a quick horse grooming guide. Brush the coat to remove loose hair and dirt. Check the horse’s legs for any cuts or swelling.
- Saddle Placement: Place the saddle pad on the horse’s back. Then, carefully place the saddle on top of the pad. Make sure it sits squarely behind the shoulder blades.
- Girth Check: Cinch the girth (the strap under the belly). Do this gradually. After a few minutes, check the tightness again, as the horse might breathe out, allowing the girth to become too loose.
- Bridle Fitting: Put the bridle on. The bit should sit nicely in the horse’s mouth. Ensure the noseband and throatlatch are snug but not tight.
Mounting a Horse Safely
You must learn mounting a horse safely before attempting to post. A bad mount can scare the horse or unbalance you immediately.
- Approach: Always approach the horse from the left (near) side. Stand next to the horse’s shoulder.
- Stirrup Placement: Hold the reins short. Place your left foot securely into the left stirrup. Keep your right hand on the back of the saddle.
- The Lift: Push off the ground with your right foot. Swing your right leg smoothly over the horse’s back. Do not bump the horse’s back with your leg.
- Settling In: Sit down gently in the saddle. Don’t plop down. Find your balance and let your legs settle naturally into the stirrups. Wait a moment before asking the horse to move.
Getting Started: The Walk
Posting is done at the trot, but you must begin at the walk. This lets you get comfortable with your balance and the feel of the horse moving beneath you. If you are joining an equestrian posting guide session, this initial walk is key.
Deciphering the Trot: What You Need to Know
The trot is a two-beat gait. This means the horse moves two legs on the same side at the same time. For example, the front left leg and the back left leg move forward together. Then, the front right and back right legs move forward together. This alternating pattern creates a distinct up-and-down motion.
This motion is what you need to counter when you post.
The Rhythm of the Trot
The timing is everything. Think of the trot as “Bump-Bump, Bump-Bump.”
- Bump 1: Two diagonal legs move forward together.
- Bump 2: The other two diagonal legs move forward together.
Your job is to rise just before the first bump and sit down just after the second bump, or vice versa, depending on which diagonal you are on (more on diagonals later).
Mastering the Movement: How To Post On Horse
Posting involves using your legs and core strength, not just bouncing up and down with your seat. The goal is soft movement that follows the horse, not fights it.
Step 1: Finding the Cue
Ask your instructor or helper to walk the horse forward at a slow, rhythmic trot. This is often called a “working trot.”
- Feel the Motion: Close your eyes briefly (if safe) and focus on the up-and-down motion your seat feels. Which side comes up first?
- The Natural Diagonal: Usually, the horse will start moving with one set of diagonal legs moving forward first. When that set moves forward, your seat will be pushed slightly up and forward. This is your natural starting point.
Step 2: Rising Up
When you feel the horse’s body shift, signaling the beginning of the two-beat stride:
- Leg Power: Use your inner thigh and calf muscles to press down lightly into the stirrups. This pushes your seat up and out of the saddle.
- Knees Soft: Keep your knees soft and slightly away from the saddle. Do not grip tightly with your knees. Gripping makes you stiff and causes you to bounce too high.
- Balance Point: Rise until you are hovering just above the saddle. Your weight should transfer smoothly through your leg and into your heel. Your body should be tilted slightly forward, aligning your ear, shoulder, and heel vertically.
Step 3: Sitting Down
As the horse completes its second beat of the trot and prepares to repeat the first:
- Relax and Lower: Slowly release the upward push. Allow your seat to settle back into the saddle softly. Think of it as sitting on a low stool, not dropping onto a hard chair.
- Absorb the Shock: Your knees and ankles should act as shock absorbers. They allow the movement to flow up through you without jarring your back.
- Maintain Contact: Your seat should rest gently in the saddle, ready to push off again for the next stride.
Step 4: The Rhythm Check
You should be rising once for every two steps the horse takes.
- Rise (as the horse steps with its first set of diagonal legs).
- Sit (as the horse steps with its second set of diagonal legs).
- Wait (while the horse takes the next two steps, you remain seated).
- Rise (starting the cycle again).
If you are rising every single step, you are jogging, not posting. This is tiring and rough on the horse.
Key Posture Points for Effective Posting
Good posture makes posting easier and safer. Think tall and supple.
| Body Part | Correct Position | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes/Head | Looking forward, chin level. | Maintains balance and awareness of surroundings. |
| Shoulders | Relaxed, sitting directly above your hips. | Prevents slouching or leaning too far forward. |
| Hands/Reins | Light, steady contact with the horse’s mouth. | Ensures control without pulling. |
| Lower Leg | Hung straight down, heel down, toe slightly up. | Provides the stable base for pushing up. |
| Hips/Seat | Move with the horse; never clamp or grip hard. | Allows the body to absorb the bounce smoothly. |
If you are practicing alone, try to maintain a straight line from your ear, through your shoulder, to your hip, and down to your heel. This alignment is fundamental to good riding technique. For more tips, check out a beginner horse riding forum for community advice.
Comprehending the Diagonal: The Importance of Balance
One of the trickiest parts for new riders is managing the “diagonal.” The diagonal refers to which set of legs the horse is moving forward with when you are sitting down.
What is the Working Diagonal?
When posting, you want to post “on the correct diagonal.” This means you should be rising just as the horse’s outside front leg moves forward. When you are sitting, the horse’s inside front leg should be moving forward.
Why does this matter?
- Comfort: Riding on the wrong diagonal for too long can feel unbalanced and bumpier.
- Communication: In dressage and some jumping disciplines, changing diagonals is a specific signal to the horse.
How to Find Your Correct Diagonal
You usually sit down when the leg on the inside of the circle or turn is moving forward. This is the inside diagonal.
If you are trotting on a straight line, you will naturally fall into one diagonal. After a while (usually 10 to 20 strides), you will need to change to the other diagonal to keep things even for the horse.
Changing the Diagonal:
- Sit: Stay seated through one full cycle of the trot (four hoof beats).
- Wait: As you sit down for the second time, delay your next upward push by one extra stride.
- Resume: Push up on the next stride sequence. You have now switched which side you rise with.
This takes practice! Do not worry if you can’t master it right away. Many riders struggle with this concept until they have many hours in the saddle. A good instructor will help you training a horse for beginners while you perfect this skill.
Troubleshooting Common Posting Problems
Learning to post often comes with wobbles, stiffness, and unevenness. Here are solutions to common beginner hurdles.
Problem 1: Bouncing Too High or Too Stiffly
If you feel like a spring bouncing on the saddle, you are likely gripping too hard with your thighs or knees.
- The Fix: Focus solely on relaxing your lower leg and letting your weight sink down into your heels. Imagine your seat is made of soft rubber, not a hard board. Use your core muscles gently to control the rise, but let your hips follow the horse’s movement.
Problem 2: Rising on Every Step (Jogging)
This is common when the horse’s trot is very slow, or if you are anxious. You are trying to keep up with every single hoof beat.
- The Fix: Count out loud: “Rise (step 1, step 2), Sit (step 3, step 4).” Focus on completing two full beats before you rise again. Shorten your reins slightly to remind yourself to sit down and maintain contact.
Problem 3: Leaning Forward or Back
If you are consistently falling forward, you are probably rising too far forward over the horse’s neck instead of straight up. If you fall back, you are probably over-kicking your legs.
- The Fix: Use a mirror if you are in an arena, or ask a helper to watch your profile. Focus on keeping your ear directly over your shoulder and your hip throughout the entire motion. Your center of gravity must stay aligned over the horse’s center of gravity.
Problem 4: Stirrups Slipping
If your feet keep sliding, you might be gripping too hard with your toes or wearing smooth-soled boots.
- The Fix: Ensure your heel is down. The ball of your foot should rest securely on the tread of the stirrup iron. Wear boots with a defined heel. If you are wearing flat sneakers, switch to proper riding boots immediately.
Beyond the Post: Transitioning Gaits
Once you are comfortable posting, you need to know how to move smoothly in and out of the gait. This involves giving clear aids (signals) to your horse.
Moving from Walk to Trot (Posting)
- Preparation: Sit the walk for a few strides. Keep your legs slightly firmer against the horse’s sides.
- The Aid: Use a gentle squeeze with your calves and a slight forward urge with your seat to ask the horse to speed up into a trot.
- Initiate Posting: As the horse breaks into the trot, immediately begin your rising motion on the correct diagonal.
Moving from Trot to Walk (Sitting)
This is often easier than moving up. You need to signal the horse to slow down and stop bouncing.
- The Aid: Lighten the pressure from your legs. Sit deeper into the saddle and gently use your seat to slightly slow the horse’s rhythm. Take a slightly firmer, steady hold on the reins (do not pull hard).
- Transition: As the horse slows its pace, the trot will naturally break down into a walk.
- Settle: Once fully in the walk, relax your legs and release the steady pressure on the reins.
Essential Horse Care After Riding
The ride is only half the job. Proper care after riding helps keep your horse sound and happy. This ties into horse care after riding.
Cooling Down
Never stop immediately after a hard trot. The horse needs time to cool down its muscles and heart rate.
- Walk: Walk the horse quietly for at least five to ten minutes. Let the horse relax its back muscles.
- Check Girth: Once the horse is completely cooled down (not sweating, breathing normally), loosen the girth. A tight girth on a hot horse can cause rubs or discomfort.
Post-Ride Checks
- Saddle Area: Lift the saddle and check the horse’s back for any white spots, excessive sweat marks, or rubs. This indicates a poorly fitting saddle or an issue with your riding balance.
- Legs: Feel all four legs for heat or swelling. If you notice anything unusual, report it to your instructor or stable manager.
- Hydration and Feed: Offer fresh water. Wait about 30 minutes after a hard ride before giving a large meal, allowing the horse’s core temperature to return to normal first.
Stabling and Etiquette
If you are responsible for putting your horse away, observe good horse stable etiquette. Always return tack neatly. Hang blankets properly. Never rush or yell in the barn. Respect the space of other riders and the quiet nature of the stable environment.
Final Thoughts for the Aspiring Rider
Learning to post is a physical activity that requires muscle memory and rhythm. It will feel awkward and tiring at first. Do not get discouraged! Every great rider started exactly where you are now. Consistency is far more important than speed. Focus on being smooth, soft, and following your horse’s movement.
As you gain confidence, you can start exploring other aspects of riding, like transitions, circles, and bending exercises. Remember that safety, proper preparation, and good aftercare are the foundations of enjoying this wonderful sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Posting
Q1: How long should I post before I change diagonals?
A: Generally, you should change diagonals every 10 to 20 strides, or about every one to two minutes, especially when riding in a circle or on a curved line. On a straight line, you can often wait longer until you feel yourself leaning slightly to one side, which signals it’s time to switch for balance.
Q2: Can I post without using stirrups?
A: While it is possible, posting without stirrups should only be attempted under direct supervision once you have a very secure seat at the trot. Posting without stirrups significantly increases the difficulty and reliance on leg grip. It’s a drill used later in horse riding tips development, not for initial learning.
Q3: What happens if my horse stops trotting while I am mid-air?
A: If your horse suddenly stops, you will land harder than normal because you are expecting a trot rhythm. To minimize impact, quickly absorb the shock with your knees and ankles and try to sit down immediately. Use light rein contact to keep the horse moving forward if they stop out of disobedience, not fatigue.
Q4: Should I use an English or Western saddle for learning to post?
A: Posting is primarily an English riding technique used in dressage and jumping. While you can trot in a Western saddle, the deeper seat and higher cantle make the characteristic rising motion less distinct. Most formal lessons focus on posting using an English saddle first.
Q5: How do I keep my hands steady while posting?
A: Steady hands come from a steady seat. If your seat is bouncing, your hands will bounce too. Focus on keeping your elbow soft and your hand positioned directly over the horse’s wither. Your forearm should act like a shock absorber, connecting your hand to the bouncing body underneath.