How To Trot A Horse

Introduction

Trotting is a simple horseback riding gait that can be accomplished at any age. It is essentially a jogging or running motion, and horses are able to use it for long distances as well as short bursts of speed. Because trotting is bouncy, most beginners find themselves bouncing up and down in their seat as the horse moves forward. A good saddle will help to cushion this bouncing effect, but there are techniques that riders can use to reduce bouncing while learning how to trot a horse.

Approach the horse from the side, flank.

Before you approach your horse, make sure he or she is not startled by your sudden appearance. Stand at a distance of approximately 10 feet away from the horse with your side facing it. Keep a steady pace as you walk toward the animal’s left side (if you are right-handed). Do not move too fast or too slow; this can cause stress to the horse and make it difficult for him or her to accept your presence.

When near enough to touch the animal’s flanks with both hands, place one hand on each side of its body where its back meets its hindquarters—the same places where riders would normally place their feet when mounting from behind (on either side). Pull on these areas as gently but firmly as needed so that your weight does not fall forward onto a hind leg while pulling yourself up onto his or her back; this could cause serious injury if done incorrectly! You may find that holding on tightly is necessary during this step because most horses do not like strangers suddenly appearing out of nowhere! Once mounted properly however…

Move your feet out of the way of the horse’s hoofs.

• Keep your feet close to the horse’s sides.*
• Keep your feet in front of the horse’s legs, but not in the way of its hoofs.*
• Trotting is a fast pace that can be dangerous if you’re not careful! Make sure to always keep your feet out of harm’s way by keeping them either right behind or right ahead of where they step.

Hold the reins with your left hand, and the mane with the right hand.

• Hold the reins with your left hand, and the mane with the right hand.
• The reins are used to steer your horse, and should be held loosely so that you can pull them in quickly if needed.
• The mane is used to keep your horse’s head up, and should be held firmly enough that it doesn’t move around too much while trotting.

Mount the horse.

Before mounting the horse, make sure it is standing still. Then find a spot on the right side of its body (the side closest to you). Stand at an angle that allows you to see over its shoulder and place your left foot close to its flank. Bend at your waist until your chest rests on top of the horse’s back. Pull yourself upward with both hands until you are in position for riding.

Take up slack in the reins by leaning back slightly.

To take up slack in the reins by leaning back slightly, keep your hands in the same position. Do not pull on the reins or lean forward. Do not lean to one side or the other.

It’s important not to let your elbow move down as you lean back because this can cause your horse to slow down or stop trotting.

Say “Haw” or “Gee” to cue the horse to turn left or right as you continue to trot along.

When you want to turn, you can use any or all of these methods. As you trot along, say “Haw” or “Gee” to tell the horse which direction to turn. If your horse is accustomed to obeying voice commands, this is a good way for him or her to learn when it’s time for a change of course.

Or alternately, you can use your legs: as one leg swings forward in front of the other (similarly as if walking), bring it back and do the same movement with its opposite side—the other leg will usually respond by changing its position accordingly so that both are level on either side of the body again. This technique may be easier than using just one set of reins because it relies less on precise timing; however, because your hands are not holding anything at all times while doing this maneuver instead they’re busy moving around behind their backs so I don’t recommend trying this unless necessary (eek!).

Keep moving forward at a steady pace to avoid tripping or falling off of your mount.

• Keep moving forward at a steady pace to avoid tripping or falling off of your mount.
• Keep your posture straight and centered over the horse’s spine by keeping both feet in the stirrups, knees bent, hands in correct position on the saddle and reins, eyes on the horse’s ears or mane (or where you want him to go), head up so that you can see what is going on around you, back straight (don’t arch or bend), shoulders back but not tensely so

Beginners can ride horses at a walk but once confident it is time to learn how to trot a horse.

Beginners can ride horses at a walk but once confident it is time to learn how to trot a horse. When you are ready to begin your trotting, you must first make sure that the horse is in good health and has been well fed. Once this is done, it’s time to get on top of your steed! Begin by standing beside them with the left side facing forward and hold onto their mane or forelock with your right hand. Then place one foot into its stirrup (a leather strap attached between their front legs) while holding onto another strap called an ironside that’s located closer towards their neck area with both hands while slowly raising yourself up until you’re sitting properly on top of him/her!

Once seated properly, gently pull back on both reins until they’re taught then say something like “Haw” or “Gee” depending on which way you want him/her to turn; this works as well because they will usually respond by turning since these words mean something different when spoken aloud from what they mean in other situations such as when someone says “Hey!” or “Gosh!”.

Conclusion

The walk is a great place to start, but once you are confident in your basic ability to ride a horse, it is time to learn how to trot. As discussed in our article on the walk, the trot should not be attempted until you are comfortable with mounting and dismounting a horse, guiding her in space and on different routes with confidence and ease. Once you have mastered the walk, it is time to learn how to trot a horse.