Expert Tip
Traveling at a fast trot is fun, as long as it's under control. Riding with an experienced friend is a great way to practice varying your speed and to improve your control.
Ride side-by-side, and keep your horses even as you transition from a walk to a slow trot and up to a fast trot, then back down again. Maintain a safe distance of no less than 8 to 10 feet between horses.
Then ride head-to-tail, again maintaining 8 to 10 feet between horses. While increasing and decreasing your speed at the trot, make it a point to keep the same distance between the two horses.
Step #4: Trot on the Trail
Like any gait, the fast trot can be improved upon with practice, and trail riding is an excellent way to do this. Just be sure the footing is safe enough for a fast trot.
The trot is an ideal gait for conditioning your horse. Depending on terrain, it can also be the perfect gait for negotiating an incline, since it allows him to easily power himself uphill. A fast trot also covers a lot of ground at a good clip without unduly tiring him.
Look for areas with safe footing and a straight section of trail. Keep your focus up and ahead, in the direction you're going. You'll be moving along at a good pace, and you need to spot any obstacles well ahead of time. Don't look down at your horse or at the ground, as this position will break your rhythm and focus.
As you work on the fast trot, practice transition exercises as you did in Step #2. Transitions help your horse engage his hind legs underneath his body, giving him power to move forward and strength to slow down.
Transition from a walk to a slow trot and increase speed at the trot while sitting for three to five strides. As the speed of your horse's trot increases, begin posting.
Establish a good rhythm at the posting trot. Then ask your horse to lengthen his stride and step up the pace even more by sitting a little deeper on the "down" portion of the post. Add pressure with both calves when you go down, and relax your calves when you rise.
When your horse is moving out at that brisk trot you want, just relax, and enjoy the ride!
