why do i struggle with my sitting trot?

Do you struggle with your sitting trot? This is one of the most common questions from riders that we receive.

Firstly remember there is no one answer that is right for everyone. A full assessment undertaken by a professional, such as a physio, can help determine to cause and help provide solutions.

However,  these are some of the common problems that we see.

1. Lack of mobility in the ankle, hip, knee & lumbopelvic region
This can lead to poor shock absorption, causing you to bounce out of the saddle rather than move in time with the horse.

​2. Gripping through the thighs and hips
Reasons for doing this could be from be from nerves or inexperience, and also due to lacking postural stability and eccentric control.

3. Bracing through your "core" to try and sit still
As strange as it sounds, stillness needs to come from your ability to follow the motion of your horse and you can't do that if you're trying to hold yourself rigid. It requires the ability to coordinate activation of the trunk, pelvis and hip muscles, while also breathing and staying relaxed. It's not easy!

4. Poor cardiovascular fitness
​Sitting trot is hard work and if you find you get puffed easily and start to lose technique and position, it may be time to add in some off-horse cardio into your regime!

Looking for some help with any of these issues and to become a rider that smiles, rather than grimaces through your sitting trot? 

​Or one that can hold a cup of water during sit trot and not spill a drop??

Then book in for a face to face or online rider screening assessment with our physiotherapist to help identify the areas you most need to work on.

Learn more here!