Gallop in a showing class

[helencharlie]

What are the aids for gallop when in a showing class? Can achieve gallop when out hacking, stand to gallop no aids required. Was asked to show gallop in a show yesterday, but only managed to produce a very fast canter! Any tips or advice please

 

[abi31]

OK, this probably isn't how others do it but it works for my two! The ring is usually rectangular so pick the least bumpy long side. If your horse has a fab gallop always do it the side where the judges will get the best view of you, not behind the line of horses. If your horse isn't so good best to hide behind the horse line!!
Coming out of the corner you need to half halt but maintain an active seat, then release the contact slightly through the fingers without giving the rein away and don't take forward seat until you feel the hocks engage, otherwise you will not be able to back your leg and seat up together to get the gallop.
Practice in your own menage/field so that your horse gets used to the aids you give. I have an over-practiced show routine so my horses know it inside out and know exactly when the gallop part comes.
Sometimes horses find it easier to gallop on a particular rein. One of mine does an excellent gallop on the right rein and a medium canter on the left!
Hope that was helpful and not too much waffle.x

 

[fuzz]

I use an aid of placing my whip on my horses shoulder when I'm wanting her to gallop. I practiced this in the fields by placing the whip on her shoulder and letting her gallop. Now in the show ring, when we have to gallop, all I need to do is place the whip on her shoulder, push her on a bit and take a forward seat in the corner and she knows what to do.

Hope this helps