Sitting Trot

One of the major issues I observe in riders at the sitting trot is the ability to maintain the connection of the sit bones through the entire cycle of the gait. When we loose the rhythm of the cycle of movement the body has to tighten to hold on and in a preparatory reaction to the possibility of hitting the ground. This happens whether we are asking for it or not. The movement in the rider's body looks more like a rising or posting trot than it does the sitting trot.

The movement of the body at the sitting trot should be exactly like it is at the walk. The only difference being the power and the speed in which the body is moving with the horse. The movement of the pelvis, femur bones and lower lumbar mirror that of the rider walking effectively on the ground.

Thanks Florida - What a Great First Clinic!

I'm back home in sunny Arizona after a fantastic 4 days of clinic and lessons in Ocala Florida. The participants were great and Christine did a wonderful job of organizing and hosting the clinic. From the accommodations to the open minded enthusiasm of everyone, I felt right at home and welcome from the start.

We worked on becoming more aware of our breath and the many and various applications it has to riding. Along with the breath we began the process in which we receive and redirect the power of the horse through our bodies. These techniques result in nearly effortless connection with the horse.

Thanks also to Aimee - a gifted instructor and rider. It was her forward thinking that made the whole clinic possible.

I can't wait to work with this group again!

James