What are the keys to riding at a trot?

The trot is where horsemanship is built or broken. More riders skip through it chasing the lope, and that's a mistake that costs them later. The trot is your diagnostic gait — it tells you everything about where your horse is mentally and physically. Is he soft in the bridle or pulling? Is he straight or drifting? Is he forward off your leg or dead-sided? All of that shows up at the trot before it ever becomes a problem at speed. From a riding standpoint, you have two choices — posting or sitting. For a green horse or a horse with a big moving trot, posting takes the pressure off his back and keeps him more comfortable and willing. Sitting the trot builds collection and connection, but it requires a relaxed, following seat. Stiffening up will transfer tension straight into your horse. Keep your heels down, your eyes up, and think about following the motion with your hips rather than bouncing against it. Rhythm is everything at the trot. Work on maintaining a consistent pace without nagging — your horse should hold the gait you asked for until you say otherwise. That lesson, learned at the trot, makes everything faster and more advanced so much easier down the road.