How do I slow down my horse's trot/canter? - Western Training & Behavior - Western Training & Behavior - Horse Community, Horse Pictures, Horse Forum and Information

Posted : 10/22/2010 12:52:52 PM

I have had my Appaloosa since the beginning of May so I'm still getting used to riding her. I ride western, mostly because all I do is trail riding. As a kid all those many years ago I rode English, don't all kids getting lessons? I'm what I call an intermediate beginner rider. My girl has a definite English trot and canter to her (not a nice western jog and lope) and I'm just not comfortable riding it even in a circle in the paddock. I've tried to post it but as soon as I lift off the saddle she comes to a full stop. If I pull back slightly on the reins for even a second she goes back into a walk. I have been thinking about showing her at a local open show but not until I can either slow her down some or sit that fast trot/canter. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

JC Javelle

Posted : 10/22/2010 1:45:23 PM

Wouldn't sending her over trot poles/cavalletti help mediate her trot? I've also read sending a horse through a labyrinth will help slow them down and focus on you.

hunterseat

Posted : 10/22/2010 5:18:16 PM

There was a thread somewhere about this subject. I was working with a horse on slow trotting. I'd start the trot, he'd go into a fast trot and I'd immediately slow him back to a walk. I kept doing it until he figured as soon as he sped up I'd ask him to walk then I eased him up a little and he was at a slow trot. trainer101 had better stuff but that worked pretty well for me.

When you go up to post, she's probably doing what she's been taught. She just doesn't understand that she's supposed to keep moving. Your legs should be able to keep her going. Don't let her stop! [ ':)'

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Just be patient and consistent. She just needs to understand what you're expecting of her.

danastark

Posted : 10/24/2010 12:26:31 AM

Having someone lunge you on her might help. You can mediate your trot with your posting once you can get her to keep going! ':)'

Make sure you aren't pulling on her mouth when you are going up in your posting. Your body posture also has a lot to do with a horse's speed. If you are leaning forward, a horse will typically speed up. If you make sure to sit up, keep your shoulders back, the horse will typically slow down. You may also be squeezing her to "hang on" because you aren't comfortable with her gaits and this will obviously make her go forward faster. Goodluck and hope these ideas help ':)'

AppyMom

Posted : 10/24/2010 11:02:28 AM

I like these ideas. Thanks. She's 17 years old, was broke to ride in 20 minutes at 6 months of age, was used as a brood mare and as the guy's heavy trail horse. He never tried to slow her down. I'm teaching her to neck rein as he always rode her in a full cheek snaffle with a curb chain. I use a plain, contoured snaffle and a loose curb chain right now. He nicknamed her the 20 minute horse because you could pretty much train her to do anything in that length of time and she picked up the cues of neck reining in about 10, but I havent ridden her much since then with her thrushy feet. I'll use these ideas now that she's sound enough for training/short rides. I'm going to see if my neighbor will let me use her round pen as well. Thanks again guys and any more suggestions are always welcome!

HappyAppy

Posted : 11/11/2010 1:29:45 AM

Hey, just curious did you get her to slow down. My appy does the same thing and was wondering if you found something that worked?

dave88

Posted : 11/16/2010 5:35:57 PM

I hope everything is OK with your horse, I mean the slow down process. I`m going to give any advices, because I see the guys before me did that.

dave,

hunterseat

Posted : 11/17/2010 1:34:49 AM

DAVE!!!! WAIT!!!! COME BACK!!!!

Hi! [ ':)'

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