Fixing a double bounce

At recent riding clinic it was brought to my attention that I do a double bounce while posting the trot. I've since been trying to fix it and can't seem to shake it. I ride mostly lower level dressage and start a lot of young horses, so I'm always conscious of trying to sit lightly on their young backs which may be why it originated. I've been trying to sit 'harder' but it doesn't seem to improve it. I haven't tried working without stirrups yet (the young horse thing is a bit of a deterrent ha ha), but will try it in the coming days. Any hints or exercises would be appreciated!

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Pannell on April 2, 2009 at 3:15am

Hi Lisa, When riders double bounce the problem is primarily a lack of independant balence. I don't think riding without stirrups will help much, so instead, you should try to help your balence by resting your hands in front of the withers when you start the trot . This will help you find the rythum of the trot, you will be sitting in a light 2-point seat, only leaning forward enough to rest your hands. When you have the rythum, test it by lifting your hands away from the withers without sitting up strait. Remember the rising trot needs the rider to have the shoulders forward a little more then when in sitting trot. Cheers Geoffrey

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by William Micklem on April 2, 2009 at 5:19am

This is such a common problem.....DO NOT TAKE AWAY YOUR IRONS...the double bounce normally happens when your seat comes back to the saddle slightly too early.....so take a little more weight through the leg....practise this by staying out of the saddle in trot for short periods of time...while you do this count the two beats of the trot...then start rising trot while still counting and still leaving the majority of your weight through the legs.....then repeat this process a few times each ride...good luck. William

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hank on April 3, 2009 at 8:07pm

I agree with Geoffrey. I think your problem is primarily in your balance and a lack of independent seat. One exercise I like is to practice sitting and standing in the stirrups for different lengths of time. Starting in rising trot try try standing in your stirrups for two beats and then sit for two, stand for two and sit for two...or three...or four. It doesn't really matter how many you do it for the point is to learn to feel your horse's rhythm and to gain control over your body. You'll find that this will take a lot of strength in your core or mid-section. Also, you might want to make sure your stirrups are the correct length. If they're too long, it can be difficult to maintain your balance.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Liz Hoskinson on April 4, 2009 at 9:51am

To elaborate on W. Micklem's post, put yourself into 2-point position at the trot. Remain in it and then start to post, but maintain the angles of the 2-point. This '2-point posting' will serve as both diagnostic (helping you feel the double-bounce) and provide you with a solution to bring you to the normal up/down of posting. Next, as you are able, open up your hip angles so as to return yourself to the normal position for posting.

When the rider is in two-point, it is a position maintained primarily by balance, assisted by toned muscles that help the body make micro-adjustments to the horse's motion in order to maintain that balance. You shouldn't feel any gripping or any tension. The thigh muscles should also feel a bit of a burn (if those muscles are not that fit yet).

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lisa Longtin on April 6, 2009 at 12:08am

Thanks all! My arena finally dried out today and I was able to try the advice. Taking more weight in my legs seems to have helped. Now just to make it consistent. The posting exercises are great for me as I'm just starting back in the saddle after having 2 children in the past two years with no riding in between, so yes, my core is sadly weak, but improving!