Flatwork / Dressage Intermediate 20 min

Posting Collected Trot Diagonal Awareness

Focus: Rhythm, Balance, Awareness

Equipment: None required

At the posting collected trot, notice which diagonal you're rising on. You should rise when the outside front leg comes forward.
Track right and check: are you rising when the left front leg goes forward? If so, you're on the correct diagonal.
Change direction. Sit one extra beat to switch your posting diagonal, then continue on the new correct diagonal.
Practice checking and changing your diagonal 6-8 times, changing direction each time.
Progress to checking your diagonal without looking: feel which hind leg is pushing you up.
Make diagonal awareness automatic — check it every time you change direction.

Rising on the wrong diagonal and not noticing.
Bouncing in the saddle when trying to change the diagonal (sit-sit instead of a smooth extra sit).
Only being able to check the diagonal by looking down at the shoulders.
Not changing the diagonal when changing direction.

Practice riding on the wrong diagonal intentionally for 10 strides to feel the difference.
Change diagonals every 8 strides without changing direction for body awareness.
Close your eyes for 3-4 strides and feel which diagonal you're on.

Tip: The posting diagonal matters because it determines which hind leg gets the most support. Correct diagonal aids collection on circles.