Western pleasure walk.. make it stop.?

Question

so, my OTTB gelding who is 19 has the slowest walk in the world. i swear it is SlOWER then the western pleasure walks, and that just wont due for dressage!

he is sound and healthy and just had his hocks done so it can't be a pain issue.. also, when we wants to walk somewhere he has a really nice foreward walk... he also has a nice walk in the field.. but in the rings he just doesn't move.

i've tried letting go of the reins and just nudging him on but he goes from slow walk to trot.. nothing in between,

i've tried collecting him at the walk and then nudging him on but his walk improves only slightly and then he goes into trot.

i've tried using both legs at once, and alternating with the stride right and left leg..

even comming down from the other gaits he'll go from a nice collected foreward trot to his slow walk, hes even gone from one of his bolts to his slow walk (though he hasn't bolted in months)

any ideas appreciatedd!

thanks!

Answer 1

Have you tired using spurs?

I know this seems like to most practical answer ever, but even a simple pair like some English spurs or Western bumper spurs could help you.

Try circling him, and remember to leg cue him from the correct side - I've had success with slower jogs with this method.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes! :)

Answer 2

i have the exact opposite problem

idk what to do for u that hasn't been mentioned hope u can do something about it though

Answer 3

I suggest poles on the ground, making him extend his walk, also making it faster. When asking for a faster walk, hold your legs on tightly, but also pulling back with your reins.

Answer 4

I know what you mean I had a horse that did that. There was nothing i could do to make him go faster he was just slow!

Answer 5

Try rocking in your seat, that will hopefully cause your horse to have more forward motion. But if it doesn't work do what your doing, and when he breaks to a trot, pull him down to a walk and keep nudging.  Try using both legs and you may need to carry a crop with you

Answer 6

sit up when riding and shift your wight forward shifting wight forward can really help.

Answer 7

I agree with Crazy H...he'll have to pick up his feet and extend.

Have you tried bouncing both legs on his sides relentlessly while doing a pull-release-pull-release with the reins?  Some of them find it annoying enough that they wake up and start moving out...you can use good pulls to discourage the trot, but be sure you have a larger mouthpiece snaffle. I learned that one from a nationally  renowned dressage trainer who used it often on the doggy types. She'd also sit deep between each bounce.

Answer 8

Try ground poles or cavalettis.

Space them out so your horse has to extend his walk to comfortable get over them.

Good luck.