Question: Why are diagonals important?
Answer: If you plan to do a lot of trail riding such as competing in competitive trail riding or endurance racing you’ll want to change your diagonals often. This way you won’t always be putting your weight on, the same set of legs during the sit phase of your posting.
It is also important in ring work if your goal is to make your horse bend and balance around corners. To get around a corner smoothly your horse needs to slightly tuck up and pivot with the back inside leg and reach further with his outside foreleg.
As you rise, you take some of your weight off of the horse’s back for that moment, helping him make those adjustments in stride a little easier. You may find your inside leg is steadier too.
