How do i achieve extending trot?

Question

i did a freestyle novice dressage to music test and i got a 6 for my extended trot. i would like to improve this mark. the judge say's i need to have more movement from behind. i did however come 2nd.

the pony i do this on is only 12.2hh and is a riding school pony so not dressage trained, so simply ways to help me would be helpful

Answer 1

First, a brief definition. Extended trot is when the horse extends the stride so that it is longer. Usually the stride is a bit faster as well, but it should not be extremely fast. In order to achieve the extended trot, the horse needs to first be collected so that the hind legs give the horse forward impulsion.



So here's an exercise. As you're going on a short side of the arena, collect your horse as much as you can - remember, collection doesn't mean slower, it means more upright and "springier." Then when you get to the next letter - how about K - go across the diagonal and ask for your pony to come out of the collection and extend. A bit before X ask for collection again, keep the collection over X, and then ask for extension again. At M ask for collection once more and continue in a collected trot down the short side.



This exercise is useful because it keeps the horse from falling onto the forehand instead of extending. Regularly asking for the horse to change the tempo within a gait helps to keep the horse supple, on the bit, and on the haunches.



Hope this helped!

Answer 2

use your legs and seat to push him forward, but try not to have a major change in pace. Take some contact on his mouth while you are pushing him forward. The idea isnt just to go faster, but to lengthen his stride (meaning make him take bigger steps). The judge means that your pony isn't using his hind end enough, this is a sign he isn't really collected up, and that he did not really extend his trot. Getting a nice extended trot can be difficult, and your pony would need some training for this.



Ask your instructor how to extend his trot. Extended gaits aren't only for dressage training either, any horse that is well trained will be able to extend its gaits correctly. They now even ask for an extended jog in western classes.

Answer 3

Hi, In order to engage the hindquarters do lots of transitions (walk-halt, halt-trot, trot-halt and walk-canter). Most horses are more likely to offer extended trot across the diagonal or down the long side, after a transition back to trot from canter.



Keep a contact with your pony's mouth but allow him to stretch out slightly. I find using my legs on the girth is better. If the pony breaks into canter, do not tell him/her off, just trot and then try again. Practice makes perfect and don't forget to praise small improvements!



Well done for doing so well and good luck for the future!

Answer 4

Extended trot does not come in a novice level test - do you mean lengthened strides?



A riding school pony, presumably ridden mainly by children of varying ability, is unlikely to have the training or physical power to give you true extension, although lengthened strides may be well within his abilities. This will depend on his conformation (build) and how forward thinking he is.



The other answers give you a pretty good idea of the aids to use. Good luck, and well done up to now.

Answer 5

The easiest way to improve your extended trot would be to practise lots of half halts within your working trot. This will encourage your pony to engage his hind quarters and give you more controll over the impulsion within the pace of trot.If you are able to contain this impulsion then you are working toward a collection.Once this has been achieved then you should find that by allowing with the hand a little and pushing a little through your seat and legs you will get your extension.

Answer 6

First start by doing the extended trot while switching directions on a full diagonole. Then post VERY VERY high to a point where it is umcomfy atfirst, this will get him to stretch his legs. Also give him a tap with your dessage whip and say Im telling you to do something for a reason. Then gradually, start sitting to it and tapping him and he will know what you want. If he picks up the canter, immediatley walk him and he will know thats not what you want. Dont be mean though and beat him b/c he will never want to do it again. Also, if he starts to feel too fast, just move the bit or half halt him a little.

Answer 7

the first answer is good but it depends on the breed of the pony,some ponies don't have a long stride,like cobs,i compete my horses in three day eventing,and they have a beautiful extended trot,i have to push them with my leg to make there rear end work,and i sit back in my saddle and allow a loose rein,

some lessons might help to asses you and your pony and see if he can extend his trot,

smaller ponies do have problems with extension because there legs are shorter than a horses

Answer 8

When your in the trot you must keep forward impulsion and just ask her to go faster and extend herself without going into a canter.as soon as she breaks trot shut her down and start over.

Answer 9

Make sure that you sit straight in the saddle, open your chest and picture the extended trott. Also incourage the movement in the seat as well.