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Question

Okay, so my horse that I just bought loves to run. The previous owner is going to ride my mom's horse and show me some trails. We are planning to ride at all gates and run them in fields.

I am very sure I can run her (gallop) although I have never done it before...she goes pretty fast but I am confident. I trust the horse A LOT and am completely happy with her.

This horse stops on a dime so you can't say whoa or you'll be thrown...you have got to just lightly say whoa and pull slightly.

I know the usual, hold on with your knees, heels down, all that but does anyone have and tips for galloping a horse? You know, staying on and such? Don't tell me I shouldn't, I am VERY confident about doing this.

Answer 1

Don't grip with your knees, use your thighs and calves to stay on... it sounds funny and it's kinda hard to do at first, but it works better

Answer 2

Well, I learned by doing it.  If you are confident in your ability, and your horse has a good whoa, you are ready to go.  Just realize that in a field, things aren't as apparent as they are in an arena, so be ready for the unexpected...and enjoy!

Answer 3

First of all, DON"T grip with your legs. It is the first thing that with get your thrown off. (I've learned the hard way.) put you feet in front of you, your heels down, and lean slightly back. (Not too far) Also, but your chest out and shoulders back. If your horse goes to fast, don;t lock on her mouth, just check and realize with one rein, not both. Don't stop to quick, you'll get thrown off. First, check and release, then lean back pretty far , sit your bottom down so it's not moving, and say whoa, so she gradually slows down.

Answer 4

Well, make sure you stay in control. Mantain a light contact with his mouth. Otherwise, from what I've seen, they go a little crazy with their new-found freedom...haha. Confidence is important, and it's great that you want to and feel like you can. Trust between both partners is GREAT. Remember, if you start to slip, slow down. I've seen people who just try to hang on. Better be safe than sorry.

If you really really want to be safe, use a riding vest. Saved my friend from broken ribs. And of course, a helmet.

And most of all- Stay on! Haha. Have fun.

Gina

Edit: "This actually isn't a new found freedom...they run her ALL the time so she listens well...."

I understand! :) What I meant was, My friend leases a horse. For instance, While cantering, if she gives the horse a lot of rein, she thinks "YAY GALLOP TIMEE" and goes crazy. XDD

Answer 5

As long as you're confident, you'll be fine. Keep relaxed and calm, and don't feel pressured to keep going if you start to feel uncomfortable. I've made that mistake. Keep the reins tight enough that you can stop her, but try not to pull at her mouth as she comes down. That might confuse her and throw her off, making it hard for her to keep going. Have fun, and all the advice in the world isn't worth one time galloping on her.

Answer 6

just go for it! start at canter and if your happy to go faster then go abit faster! u dont have to go flat out straight away! you'll love it when u do and at least u have a horse that will stop! lol have fun!

Answer 7

Try doing it in a smaller area of field first so you can pick up things that you need to work on to be able to do it for a longer period of time in a larger area.

Also see if someone can film you while you practice so you can watch it over and see what you may be doing right/wrong.

Best of luck with your new horse.

Answer 8

Watch for holes. Open fields tend to have them. From personal experience I have seen people do it because its fun and I have also seen to many people get hurt or have to put their horse down because they wanted to have fun and gallop in an open field. And if you are asking how to stay on a galloping horse....I would reconsider this until you learn in a safe environment.  

Bobbi I like your answer....this is something that was taught to me as a child and I have taught my sons. I have never had a reason to run a horse on the trail except to get away from bees and I have been riding for 29 years. It's good to see some people still have the sense to tell it how it is instead of saying " hang on and have a good time"..

Bobbi I understand what your saying..its all common since really to people that has ridden for years. I did notice how everyone is telling her how to be safe while riding but not one person is telling her the best way to keep herself and the horse safe is not to do it. My 16 year old son is training a 4year old TWH right now. #1 rule is never to run in an open field. If I caught him running her I would have his hide. He knows this. I read in the statement up there that she totally trusts this horse....but does he trust her??? Thats the big question and being a new horse the bond and the trust has not been able to develop yet. But kids know everything and wont listen half the time........

Answer 9

Why are you running her?  Usually a horseman or horseman to be would not do so unless there was a reason, other than for their own amusement and to show off.  It is just inviting a horse to be injured for no particular reason and if there is no reason to run/gallop, as you say, why would you do it?  Why would you not want to learn along with this horse, teach it some sort of discipline and enjoy the company of a horse that enjoys the company of a horseman/horsewoman?

EDIT*****Not trying to turn this into a chat, but just one comment in reaction to yours, Easy Rider,  regarding my answer.  I don't make a lot of friends saying what I know to be true, but I wouldn't share some of the things that I do unless I have either done it myself (and learned the hard way) or witnessed the same behavior from others)  I had this lesson taught to me in a very unconventional way.  I was riding a colt out to take lunch to my husband who was cutting wheat...we had been plowing right along behind the combine, so the going was deep and rough, just what I thought that this colt needed to change his mind about burying my head another time.  When I arrived with his lunch, my husband  climbed down the ladder, held my horse and asked me to run as hard as I could (chaps and all) across the field and get something for him by a tree, clear across the field.  I figured it was a water jug sitting in the shade or some kind of marker that they put out to keep their rows straight.  When I got there, I yelled back, asking what it was that I was to get.  He said, "Oh never mind, just get back here as soon as you can."  By the time that I got back, I was standing just like this colt, splayed legged to stand up, blowing and dripping with sweat.  He said nothing but proceeded to eat his lunch.  I was getting just a little perturbed at his total act of ignoring my presence.  I finally asked what purpose was served by my just about killing myself, straining a bad knee that I had and all in all, running myself into the ground for no apparent reason than for his amusement.  He said, "I guess that colt is asking the same thing, answer him and you have your own answer."  That day a good lesson was learned.

Answer 10

Grip with your upper leg, not lower, not knees. Sit back, maintain light contact with her mouth, half halt if you feel her grab the bit. Grab her mane if you feel unsteady. Sink your weight into your legs, not your seat.