I’ll give more background and details, but the question is would you describe what you feel when you get a good lengthening/medium/extended trot on a very talented horse? Specifically, to avoid overriding it because it feels easier than I expect from horses who were less talented at them.
Explanation:
My thoroughbred had an excellent (2’ overtrack) and uphill extended trot, but had to noticeably really sit and work hard to get it. First time I rode an extended trot which was apparently very good but felt like nothing was my mare’s full sister. My trainer regularly put me on any one he could, and last time I rode her with him, he had me do an extended trot and told me not to ask for any more and it was wonderful when I thought we were barely past the half halt state, it was so easy.
It’s been nearly 2 years since we lost my trainer, and I get up to the trainer I ride with all I can, but she’s 150 miles away, so I’m often riding on my own. Getting ready for regionals, I’ve been doing my homework of lengthen and back transitions, and it has clearly built my mare’s strength. I had eyes on the ground today, and came out of a corner, asked for lengthen then started posting, and she said, “there’s your medium trot!” It felt like the working trot which lacks impulsion, it was so easy. With eyes on the ground, it was easy to not override it, but when I’m on my own not as much - including in the show ring.
Any tips?
(Mare in question in the photo, in working trot)
