Normally I wouldn’t be concerned about slowing the trot on a horse at this point in training(We’ve astablished walk, trot, and canter a good whoa, working on a good back up), and I would let that just develop as I’m working with them.
The problem is she’s short, has a fast trot, and I can’t hardly sit it or post to it.
Any good ideas on relaxing the trot?
Thanks!
Cavalletti gymnastics/grids.
Those will help improve her trot by reaching out and using her shoulders better and with an even rhythm.
For a green horse would it be better to start with them flat on the ground then raise them? Or does it matter?
Try slowing your posts down and regulate her speed that way.
[QUOTE=PintoPonies;8190424]
For a green horse would it be better to start with them flat on the ground then raise them? Or does it matter?[/QUOTE]
Flat on the ground, find the better distances for her now, then a few inches further out so she stretches her stride a little bit.
Trotting over poles will help a horse get some suspension on the trot, especially those that have lots of knee action up and down.
It all depends on how she is speeding up, if what is called running away at the trot, nervous, if so as above, trying to slow her with your seat may help, but you need to have a very steady seat for that, not a hesitant or inconsistent one.
Many trots improve on their own once the horse learns to carry itself better, to work correctly over their backs and then collect and extend a little bit.
I would start by doing a lot of transitions, at first between trot and walk, and then within the trot. Make sure you think of shortening her neck when you ask for the downward transition so that she learns to balance on her hind end, and not fall on her shoulders in the downward.
You can also do reverse half circles to help her slow down and rebalance: come off the wall at an angle, and then do a half circle back to the wall. Maybe do it so the half circle is about 15 meters to start, and then play with what size helps her balance. As you feel her rebalance, it allows you to soften a bit and let the exercise to the balancing work for you.
If she really struggles though, consider soundness, tack fit, or your balance to be another part of the equation.
[QUOTE=CHT;8190465]
I would start by doing a lot of transitions, at first between trot and walk, and then within the trot. Make sure you think of shortening her neck when you ask for the downward transition so that she learns to balance on her hind end, and not fall on her shoulders in the downward.
You can also do reverse half circles to help her slow down and rebalance: come off the wall at an angle, and then do a half circle back to the wall. Maybe do it so the half circle is about 15 meters to start, and then play with what size helps her balance. As you feel her rebalance, it allows you to soften a bit and let the exercise to the balancing work for you.
If she really struggles though, consider soundness, tack fit, or your balance to be another part of the equation.[/QUOTE]
What is meant by “thinking of shortening her neck”?
I have never heard that expression before.
[QUOTE=PintoPonies;8190350]
Normally I wouldn’t be concerned about slowing the trot on a horse at this point in training(We’ve astablished walk, trot, and canter a good whoa, working on a good back up), and I would let that just develop as I’m working with them.
The problem is she’s short, has a fast trot, and I can’t hardly sit it or post to it.
Any good ideas on relaxing the trot?
Thanks![/QUOTE]
Lots of lateral work at the walk, then ease into a jog. Is she broke in the face?
Take the horse out on trails and trot for long stretches. She’ll learn to relax, and swing along more.
Flash44, We’ve started a little work on lateral flexion if that’s what you mean?
[QUOTE=PintoPonies;8191452]
Flash44, We’ve started a little work on lateral flexion if that’s what you mean?[/QUOTE]
Does she brace against the reins or give softly when you pick them up, or maybe a mix? As you are sitting there, tense your jaw and notice how far down your back you feel tension. If she’s going so fast you can’t sit or post, she sounds hollow backed and tense to me - but I might not be understanding you correctly. If you can get her soft in the face, she will be more relaxed and fluid.
In no particular order…
1.Slow your posting and make sure your legs stay quiet.
2. Lots of half halts. As soon as she starts rushing or getting strun out, half halt her.
3. Cavaletti’s
4. Make sure at least for now you’re riding her with a gentle contact, encouraging her to reach for the bit and round through the back. A horse moving correctly is going to be MUCH easier to ride than one that’s hollowed through the back with no contact on the reins. I see that all too much with western riders at my barn(s).
I am currently working with a horse that sounds similar to yours. If you are using a snaffle bit you can slow a trot down by opening and closing your hands. It massages their mouth rather than hanging on it and its a better method to use because if your horse learns to hang on the bit and your hands it won’t know the difference between that and you trying to stop. Also you will get on the wrong diagonal doing this but instead of posting up, down, up, down, go up one beat and down two until the horse slows to the pace you want and then you can start to post normally. These are helping my horse so thought I would share even though this is a bit old!!
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