Hand Gallop?

Question

Can someone tell me what it is exactly, how to ask your horse to preform a hand gallop, and how to sit it.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

The hand gallop is not merely an extended canter - it becomes a true gallop and a four beated gait.  You sit it the same way you canter, depending upon the class/style of riding.  In hunter/jumper, for example, it is proper to shift your weight forward in the saddle similar to preparing for a jump.  In english/saddleseat - you would not shift your weight forward.

Answer 2

its used to jump fences and its like an in control gallop thats slower and you dont sit at the hand gallop

this site should help you:

http://www.mindspring.com/~jonknop/horse...

Answer 3

Hello,

A hand gallop is the short term for "In Hand Gallop". It is just like the canter, but with more impulsion and speed, and four beats per stride. It is performed in 'two point' position, in complete control, without pulling or fighting w/ your mount. It can be achieved, when cantering, to slightly close the hip angle, shift your weight forward as you would to anticipate an increase in speed, and ask your horse with leg closing and body encouragement,  for 'more' than a canter. If it becomes rough or bouncy, it is too fast. Better to do this on straight aways, not on any sharp turns (in an indoor arena, along the straight portion, and 1/2 halt three strides from the turn).  A hand gallop can be recovered to canter with you re-opening your hip angle, stiffening a little in the pelvis to encourage less movement, and 1/2 halt or down transition to the rounder, three beated canter gait. Watch some of Endo's videos on youtube, to see the differences between canter, hand gallop and breezing.

Answer 4

A hand gallop is a fast canter, but not a full out gallop. Just ask your horse to speed up his canter, a slight half seat would probably be most comfortable.

Answer 5

Get your horse in a canter, then ask for more!   center of gravity . . . go with the horse... legs and feet underneath.. keep good balance just as you would any other gait.

Answer 6

A hand gallop is a controlled (ridden "in hand") gallop.  It is more than a canter, but not an all out run. The hand gallop can be picked up from the canter by urging your horse to move out and getting your butt out of the saddle by standing up a bit in your irons.  You should be in a forward position,  maintain contact with your horse's mouth and shorten your reins.