10/13/2026
This Training Tip Tuesday is especially for Janice Marshall, who asked if I would demonstrate on my youngster a downward transition from Canter to an organized trot. We’ve all read that we need to ride ‘forward’ into a downward transition. Why? Because you need the RPMs—the engine revving— to keep the hind legs stepping smartly, with energy, so that when you collect just before the transition, you’ll land like an airplane: back wheels first and then the nose gear. Without the engine/impulsion, you’ll land nose first in a scrambly, strung out transition. As I canter, I am very mindful that I have a leg-yielding feeling off my inside leg into my outside rein each stride. I ride a little forward, then keeping my leg on, bring him back a little, and then when I asked for those couple of steps of collection right before I transitioned into trot, instead of continuing to scoop with my seat at canter, I keep my seat in the saddle, but sit very lightly so he can bring his back up, thinking ‘Up! Up!’ with my seat, which also stops the scoop. Tiny half halt on the outside rein, and I drop a little weight in my outside sitting bone the moment I ask for trot, to help him load his outside hind, so that he feels very solid and confident going into that trot. Remember: if you lean back going into the trot, that will push your seat bones forward, inadvertently pushing your horse onto the forehand. So sit UP, nice and tall, shoulder blades touching to stabilize your core, and keep your arms soft and relaxed. Hope this helps!
(I felt quite proud of Salad Bar today, as this was only our second ride back after the hurricane, and he had been forced to stand in his stall for a good 24 hrs during the pouring rain and wind. Normally Mr.Bucktober might take over, but his Jerimiah’s Ulcer Repulser coats his tummy beautifully, keeping him calm and comfy❤️)
