posting diagonals, finding a new instructor and barn

[redviridian]

... are confusing as hell. I had my first try at it during my lesson on friday. Is it the outside leg you are supposed to be following or the inside leg? I forgot that already. And how can you tell? She had me glance at the horses shoulders at first but I had a hard time following/concentrating when I'm trying to also concentrate on my posture/

Comments

[buymeaclue]

Rise and fall with the leg on the wall*.

Over time you'll develop a feel, but in the meantime, sneaking a peek at the shoulder is fine. Just try to feel it before you peek, and try to peek with just your eyes--no dropping your whole head.

Work-to-ride can be a great situation or a terrible one. Get it in writing and make sure everyone's on the same page.

* In general. There are good reasons to sometimes post on the inside diagonal, but you don't need to know those yet. *g*

[fallenfaun]

For a second I was all wait, what?. Clearly it has been far too long since I've had to check a lead or diagonal.

[karlyymiracle]

Me too. I can feel my leads/diagonals. It seems like a weird concept to have to look. Hmph.

[beybladesabre]

Seconded with the "Rise and fall with the leg on the wall." :) It won't come overnight, but keep at it! Trying to feel and guess if it's right before looking will help you develop a feel for it

[irishsaints]

ahhh posting diagonals....i remember those days. :D

i agree with the previous posters...

"Rise and Fall with the Leg on the Wall."

my trainer told me that when I was first learning how to post. And as far as watching horses go around, and trying to follow diagonals from the ground, that just takes time and practice. ;) keep watching other riders when they're posting, and eventually you'll start seeing it. Practice makes perfect. :D

unfortunately, can't help you out w/ trading work for lessons, as i never have, but good luck!! :D

[coanteen]

I tried following the "leg on the wall" when I was learning, but I couldn't get the hang of it for some reason. So my instructor suggested going up when the inside leg hits the ground - doing that just worked for me, personally.

[bluejumper]

Same. I was always the weird one at the barn because of this. :P

[adolwyn]

I'm another suggestion for rise and fall with the leg on the wall. :D