Keeping control at the gallop (first time galloping the horse)

Question

Does anyone have tips/advice on keeping control at the gallop and getting a good stop response?

I've only galloped once before, roughly two years ago. I panicked when I asked for the gallop and pulled him down really quickly.

I'm more confident now, and the horse I'm going to gallop responds very well at the w/t/c.

However, I'm still nervous!

How to check? How long (strides) does it normally take to stop your horse?

Thank you!

Answer 1

well galloping is faster then the canter.. maby u sud canter first... u need to ask confidintlly sit up tall.. dont curl into a ball.. if u do horses are more likely to run off.... ever other stride half hault if u need to... if u pull and release ..pull and relese and say whoa ususly any horses with stop... if u keep pulling steady some horses will canter faster or run away with you

Answer 2

Well just relax and let him go. Then just pull gently back on the reins and he will slow. english horses usually take 2 strides to slow to the canter, and about 4 to stop completely. Well my horse is a western horse so he stops on a dime.  But good luck!

Answer 3

Some tips are to make sure that your horse is ready to gallop.

While galloping every 3-4 strides do a little half-halt.  Thats will keep him under control.

My horse usally takes 5-6 strides to come to a complete stop,  it takes about 2 to get him down to a canter.

I hope that helps but just make sure that you are relaxed and have fun.  Galloping id one of my favorite things just becasue it makes you feel free!

Answer 4

Hey!   I'd first ask what kind of situation you'll be doing this in?   Is there a fence around the area or is it on the beach or a big open area?  Is the area free of pot holes or things the horse might trip on?

Only reason being is your factor of how quickly you may need to stop the horse plus it "taking off" on you.  

Yes, when you start, relax and just release the reins a little and gently ask for a little more speed....don't just drop the 'ol reins and give him a kick!  :)

Do it gradually as you feel comfortable.  Then, after he gets a few good strides in, maybe give a few half-halts with the reins and get him back so you feel comfortable that he isn't going to go without you.

I was kind of afraid of galloping my mare because she was freight-train fast so I took her to the beach one day with some good packed sand and after working her, I did my first gallop down there.   I felt comfortable because the ocean was calm, there was tons of room and I knew she would only run so far before she got tired in case I couldn't bring her back to me.   Sure enough, she took off but it was really fun and you just lean forward a bit and enjoy it after you feel comfortable.   If you stress out, the horse will freak and go faster.   Galloping is different but lots of fun if the ground is safe and your horse is trustworthy.  Keep your heels down and don't clamp with your knees.  When bringing him back if you let him go a bit, sit up straight again and dig your rear into the saddle and gently squeeze on the reins.  If you don't get a response, take one of the reins and DON'T pull but give a bit of a harder "squeeze" or tug to get his attention.  DO not pull the head to the side.  :)  

Good luck and be safe!  I'm sure you guys will be great.  This can be a controlled movement and does not have to be like in the westerns.  Work up to it slowly.  :)  

Answer 5

I think the best way to prepare is to have someone longe the horse with you on bareback. It's all about muscle memory, I actually don't squeeze at all with my knees or calves unless I get unbalanced, I only use my thighs so i can use the rest of my legs to cue.If you stay relaxed the horse should too, don't even THINK about being afraid and don't anticipate the increase in speed or he will too. Just remember, you trust him at the lope, canter, whatever and this is just an increase in stride length and frequency. Practice, go a few strides at first, then around the whole ring and then several times around. This will help too, because it will remind you and the horse that you are in control and can slow down any time you want.