First Level do I rise or sit the trot?

[Training_Cupid]

@SillyHorse

Because…?

I think the reasoning was it flows smoother and looks more cohesive as a whole. But maybe that was aimed towards Training level, when you only do a working trot (aside from the stretchy circle, which specifies rising).

[MissAriel]

I have done both. I am currently posting the first level tests on my young horse because that is working best for keeping him forward and engaged now. His evasion is to curl and get behind the leg and the bit, so pushing him forward is the correction. As we are working towards second level and getting him more consistently connected and pushing from behind, we are doing more sitting work at home. I may at some point choose to ride a first level test sitting if/when we feel like that is a better option.

In the past I rode a horse that I rode better sitting. He was big and gangly and leaned on the front end. Like someone else above, I was more effective in supporting him and his balance and not getting on the forehand when I had more contact with the saddle. So I did a lot of our work sitting and rode a few tests sitting as well.

I think for people newer to showing and/or riding posting the whole test is best. It is most familiar, you are likely to not have the strength/balance/skill to sit as well as you ride posting and it is easiest on the horse. As far as doing a mix of both, that’s just one more thing to try to remember that I wouldn’t bother with.

Funny aside - we were riding a first level test at the barn schooling show. A friend taking pictures overheard another competitor comment “Oh Sh*t, she’s going to win - she’s sitting the trot” when I started my test. As if that was all it would take.

[rothmpp]

@Training Cupid

I’ve only shown Training thus far, and will stick to posting when we move up to 1st because I’m more comfortable with it, but I’ve heard that it’s best to stick to either sitting or posting throughout (except if the test specifies otherwise for a particular movement).

That sounds more like a trainer’s preference. Kind of like the whole “you can survive 5 minutes in the ring in your hot black coat, so no showing without a coat!!!” I’ve never had a judge comment that they wished the rider would pick either rising or sitting. Usually it is more of what others have said - “perhaps you should consider rising the trot for better impulsion and connection?”. I’ve also never had a judge say “why are they NOT wearing a coat?”

[joiedevie99]

@rothmpp

I’ve never had a judge comment that they wished the rider would pick either rising or sitting.

I’ve never seen this as a comment on a test, but I have heard this addressed by judges in response to questions at clinics. Both said a variation of they could care less, if it doesn’t affect the horse. But in reality, the switch often disrupts the rhythm or balance of the green horse. One likened it to why we don’t change diagonals in the middle of the first level lengthening on the diagonal. She said if you’re going to switch, do it in a corner or in between movements.

[BigMama1]

@Jealoushe

THIS X 100. I also listened to an episode on the dressage radio podcast who says the same thing. For the love of god post if your horse goes better that way.

And for those who go better sitting - sit! And ignore it if the judge suggests you rise. I do think they will largely assume that your horse would go better in riding yet because that is true for the majority of horses. If yours is the exception then do what works best for you. But get some honest feedback from your trainer or a trusted person first so you have an unbiased, knowledgeable opinion of which is better for you.

[BigMama1]

@Training Cupid

I’ve only shown Training thus far, and will stick to posting when we move up to 1st because I’m more comfortable with it, but I’ve heard that it’s best to stick to either sitting or posting throughout (except if the test specifies otherwise for a particular movement).

Nope. You can do either throughout, or a combination of both. For example some people like to sit in th leg yields and post the rest. That’s totally personal preference and what works best for your horse.

[kcmel]

@BigMama1

Nope. You can do either throughout, or a combination of both. For example some people like to sit in th leg yields and post the rest. That’s totally personal preference and what works best for your horse.

I do this in 1-2, but in 1-3 I find everything happens so fast that it’s hard to switch. So I sit.

[MrsFitzDarcy_amp_Feliks]

Sometimes my back spasms at the sitting trot. Is there anything that can be done for that?

[rothmpp]

@MrsFitzDarcy&Feliks

Sometimes my back spasms at the sitting trot. Is there anything that can be done for that?

It’s likely a strength or tension issue on your part. Both in saddle and out of saddle work strengthening your core and increasing flexibility of your back and hips will help.

[Horse2019]

Do you know the specific rule in the rulebook where this is stated? I cannot find it. I’d like to propose a rule change so folks with back problems (those of us ladies who couldn’t afford this until our bodies are breaking) can compete at second level. I know it’s there somewhere but can’t find it. Need the actual source to propose the rule change

[SillyHorse]

While I sympathize with you, people with back problems can’t compete in many sports. There’s nothing to prevent you, though, from riding however you want at home. Many people don’t compete for one reason or another, but continue to ride, train, and move through the levels at home

[pluvinel]

@Horse2019

Do you know the specific rule in the rulebook where this is stated?

It is not in the rulebook, it is part of the “Purpose” of the tests
Forms & Documents (usdf.org)

Second Level Test 1 is where the requirement for “All trot work must be done sitting” is stated.

Link to the test

[blue_heron]

You can always request a dispensation certificate from USEF or whatever your organizing body is. I’ve seen (and scribed for) people rising in the upper levels because they were allowed a dispensation due to pain or other disorders. At a schooling show or local organization, whether they’ll allow you or not is probably up the organizer, but it can’t hurt to ask.

With respect to the levels, posting the trot is really intended for the developing horse to build muscle and find their balance without so much stress on their back. So once you’re past training/first, it is assumed you and your horse have found the appropriate balance to sit for the entirety of the test. Not saying this is right, but this is the reasoning behind it, and in the upper level work that requires high degree of collection, you sit to maintain regularity. Posting just so happens to be easier/less strain on the body for some riders, too.

[BigMama1]

Based on the hundreds of comments I’ve heard judges make while I’ve been scribing First Level tests I recommend rising. Unless you have a superb seat and your horse genuinely goes better in sitting trot that rising, but not many Level horses do.

[Margaret_Freeman]

Actually, it is covered in the USEF Rule Book, DR104.5, which describes the trot:
“All trot work is executed “sitting”, unless otherwise indicated in the test.”