Best way to teach trot in hand?

[Lill]

Blue doesn't quite 'get' this trot in hand business!

Once he is in trot if i keep running he will keep trotting but getting him to trot in the first place is quite hard.

Is it best to teach with a schooling whip to tap him with?

 

[Faithkat]

Someone behind him initially until he gets the idea is better

 

[Shilasdair]

Can you use a distinct vocal command? I use 'Prrrr-rrrr' which pi$$es off my OH greatly as he can't roll his R's (being a Sassenach).
Do an obvious 'trot' yourself, and tap behind the girth with a schooling stick if you can...I'm sure he'll catch on soon.
My 3yo only took two goes to learn the trot command, but she is devilishly clever.

S

 

[scotsmare]

I used the voice method which was fine for a start until filly decided not to play, now use a half length schooling whip even in the ring which does the trick.

 

[Gorgeous George]

food! George wouldn't get going either so I used a long schooling whip and then rewarded him with a loud 'good boy', pat and a treat - after 3 times he was doing it like a pro!

 

[Lill]

I can't roll my 'rrrrr's' so that won't work!!!

Might rope B into pushing and at the same time try with the schooling whip - are you allowed to take them into in-hand classes?

I think i best not try for the food thing, he is pretty good at mugging you if you have any hint of food in your pockets don't want him to get worse! Won't be a good look really, covered in horse slobber over my posh jacket!!

 

[Colleen_Miss_Tom]

Missy just knows now once we are ready for trot she trots off , it took a little while but with a little encouraging tap with a schooling whip he/she will soon get the hang of it, plenty of practise .