Feeling you diagonals

[SugarCubes]

I love the “post for 5, sit for 5” exercise! I can’t wait to try that out, it does sound like a quick way to start to notice the difference between being on the right vs wrong diagonal.

ParadoxFarm, for some reason I’m always correct when I do a downward transition from the canter to trot also! I wonder if that means subconsciously I know which feels correct, but for some reason that connection hasn’t been made for the walk-trot transition yet?

You have all given me some great exercises to try, so thank you!!

[Dressage_Strider]

If you establish a working walk and get the horse working off inside hind when you transition to the trot, you will be on the correct diagonal. Go back to the walk and work on your upward transition.

In the same manner, when you are cantering on the correct diagonal, the horse is working off of that inside hind, when you do a downward transition to the trot you will be on the correct diagonal.

Inside hind is your best friend.

[SaddleFitterVA]

I think it was Jean Claude Racinet who taught me to use my ears! Listen for the footfall, not just look.

Interestingly, once I started listening, and not relying on my eyes as my crutch, I got better at almost feeling it. I say “almost” because I still am not 100%. And that is despite thousands and thousands of rides. Keeps me humble.

It is easier on an unbalanced horse to feel the wrong diagonal, but once they are really balanced I have found it is still hard to feel it.