Picture this: you’re sitting on your horse, the air smells faintly of hay, and your instructor smiles and says, “Alright, time for the posting trot!”
You give a little nod—maybe a brave smile—and then it happens. The horse steps into trot and suddenly you’re bouncing like a ping pong ball in a washing machine.
I’ve been there. I’ve taught there. And I’ve watched it happen to more riders than I can count.
The good news? That “whoa-this-is-chaos” moment is exactly where every single rider starts, and it’s also the first step toward mastering one of the most fundamental skills in riding: the rising trot.
Related Blog Post: Your First Trot: How to Ride It with Confidence (Even if You’re Nervous)
What the Rising Trot Actually Is (And Why We Bother)
The rising trot—also called the posting trot—is when you rise slightly out of the saddle for one beat of the horse’s trot, and sit for the next, over and over. It’s like a gentle little dance with your horse. You’re not forcing the movement, you’re flowing with it.
So why do we do it instead of sitting? Well, the trot is a bouncy gait. There’s a moment of suspension in each stride where all four of your horse’s feet leave the ground. That lift and drop will bounce you right out of your seat if you try to sit the whole time—unless you’re on a horse with an unusually smooth trot.
Posting helps you stay balanced and soft, and more importantly, it’s kinder to your horse’s back. Done well, it makes the trot more comfortable for both of you.
Before You Even Trot: Prepping Your Body
Before we tackle the trot itself, I like to have riders practice the movement while the horse is standing still. Here’s why—if you can’t find your balance in this motion at the halt, adding movement will make it twice as tricky.
From your normal sitting position, gently move into your two-point (standing slightly in your stirrups) and back down again. Notice how your hips open as you come up and close as you return to the saddle. Your weight shifts forward slightly—not because you’re leaning, but because your hips are following the motion.
Kacey Tip: Imagine your knee as a quiet pivot point. You’re not gripping with it, but your rise and sit hinge gently around that spot. This keeps your movement small, balanced, and connected to the horse.
At the walk, practice “mini posts”—rise and sit gently, even though the rhythm won’t match the gait. This builds muscle memory before the bounce of the trot comes into play.
Related Blog Post: Basic Controls: How to Use Your Aids in English Riding
The Mechanics of the Rising Trot
Here’s the secret: you’re not yanking yourself up. The horse’s movement does most of the lifting. Your job is to allow it, guide it, and return softly.
- The Rise: As your horse’s inside shoulder moves forward, you’ll feel a natural lift under your seat. Let that energy bring your hips forward and slightly up—not straight up like you’re standing, but forward-and-up as if someone’s gently pulling your belt buckle ahead of you.
Tip: Let the rise feel just a touch quicker than the sit. It helps you meet the horse’s energy without lagging behind.
- The Sit: Don’t plop back down like a sack of potatoes. Use your core muscles to control the return, aiming for a soft landing in the saddle.
Tip: Think of the sit as slower and softer than the rise. Almost like you’re lowering yourself onto a chair you don’t want to squeak.
- The Rhythm: Think “up, down, up, down” in a steady 1–2 beat. Let your instructor call it out if it helps. You’re aiming to move with your horse, not ahead or behind.
Tools That Make It Easier
If you’re new, use a grab strap or neck strap—there’s zero shame in it. Even top riders use them when needed. It’s not to pull yourself up; it’s to steady your hands so you’re not balancing on the reins.
And if your instructor puts you on a lunge line or leads your horse, that’s gold. Without steering to worry about, you can focus completely on feeling the trot.
Your First Posting Trot
When you’re ready, start with just a few strides. Feel the horse’s push and let it carry you. Think “kneel up and sit down” rather than “stand and sit.” And remember your pivot point at the knee—this keeps your rise connected to the horse instead of feeling like you’re bouncing in place.
At first, you’ll probably overdo it—rising too high, or losing the timing. That’s normal. Your brain is learning a brand-new movement.
When it clicks, it will feel almost effortless—like you’re floating.
Related Blog Post: Learning to Walk, Stop & Turn: First Skills for Beginner Riders
Common Wobbles (And How to Fix Them)
- Pushing from your stirrups: Instead, think of the movement coming from your thighs and hips. Your stirrups are for balance, not launching.
- Gripping with your knees: This locks your hips and makes you bounce harder. Keep your legs gently on the horse like a hug, not a clamp.
- Falling back into the saddle: Engage your core for a controlled, quiet return.
- Overposting: You only need to rise an inch or two—not a foot! Small and smooth wins here.
Troubleshooting When It Feels All Wrong
- Bouncing everywhere: Go back to walk, reset your balance in two-point, and try again.
- Losing the beat: Hold the mane or strap, and have your instructor count for you.
- Feeling like you’re wrestling your horse: Soften, do less, and let the movement happen.
What About Posting Diagonals?
You might hear your instructor talk about something called “posting diagonals.” These refer to which front leg you’re rising with in the trot—it’s part of helping your horse stay balanced, especially on turns.
Tip: For now, don’t stress about diagonals. Your first job is to learn the feel and rhythm of the rising trot. Once you’ve got that, we’ll dive into diagonals in a whole other lesson (and I’ve got a post for that when you’re ready).
Building Stamina
Posting works muscles you might not have used much—especially in your core, thighs, and ankles. It’s perfectly normal to tire quickly at first. Over time, your strength and endurance will grow, and you’ll be able to post longer without feeling it.
The Best Part
Once you master the rising trot, you’re no longer just surviving the trot—you’re helping your horse balance, move more freely, and carry you with ease. You’ll be able to adjust the trot, ride longer, and truly connect with your horse’s movement.
It’s not just a riding skill—it’s a conversation in motion.
Final Thoughts
Learning the posting trot is like learning to ride a bike. At first, it’s awkward, wobbly, and your brain is overloaded with “Don’t fall!” But then one day, you’re posting without thinking about it, enjoying the ride, and wondering why it ever seemed so hard.
You will get there. Every rider does. And when you do, that gentle rhythm between you and your horse will be one of your favorite feelings in the world.
Now—let’s get out there and post a few steps together.
Want to dive deeper into your posting technique? Check out my post on How To Tell You’re On The Correct Posting Diagonal At The Trot once you’ve mastered the basic posting motion. And remember, every great rider started exactly where you are now – so be kind to yourself and celebrate every small victory along the way!
