How to go down a huge hill without having your horse canter down it???

Question

How to go down a huge hill without having your horse canter down it???

Answer 1

Try walking down it.

Answer 2

If the hill is really steep, definitely don't canter it.  But, if it's not too steep you can either trot (if you are advanced enough to do this: i.e,  your position at the trot needs to be excellent, you should never use the reins to balance and your legs should be strong and remain in the same position as you trot.)  If you are going to trot downhill (we did this a lot at an eventing camp I went to) sit further back then you normally would, take a hold of the reins but don't restrict your horse's head too much and post.  If you're used to hunt seat, you will need to open your hip angle a little so you are more vertical (but you don't want to get behind the horses motion). If he gets quick bring him back to a walk or try to zig zag down the hill which will make him slow down.

If you just want to walk it's basically the same idea.  Sit a little futher back then you normally would. Make sure the reins are short enough to control the horse but long enough so that his head can move (he will probably need to have more motion in his head going downhill then if you were on a flat surface.  If he gets too fast, gently pull the reins back and immediately release (if you get into a tugging fight with him, he's going to win).  Also, he'll be more relaxed if you have contact on the reins but the reins aren't too short that he feels stifled.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Good question You should Not go down a steep hill in a canter

I would sit back and gently hold him back and say walk ,,

Sometimes if you go down in a zigzag pattern that will stop him from going faster,,

Because he is being turned and not looking straight down !

HOPE THIS HELPS!!