Gallop into canter

[Ant123]

I took my 17.2 Irish Draught for a lovely long hack today. We don’t hack very often as we do lots of schooling. I was planning to canter uphill but instead I took him on the flat and for the first 30 sec or so, he just ran to the point where he wouldn’t slow down, after that he listened and came under control, but I was trying to work out why he did that. Was it excitement or do I have a bit of an issue? The other horse I was with , was way behind So they weren’t racing each other. Any advice greatly received

 

[Roxylola]

Sounds like he just got a bit jolly and made the most of the opportunity. If he did it all the time I'd worry but as a one off when he doesnt hack much and he came back I think you're fine

 

[Ant123]

Phew- good to hear. That’s my instinct too

 

[Mule]

It just sounds like he got excited because he was doing something different/ fast work.

You can try to help him by training very sharp transitions from canter to trot and canter to walk next time you are out hacking. If you get the transition with a few strides from the canter down to walk you will know he's listening. I did this when the beast started to get too strong on xc.

 

[doodle]

Sounds like he was just having a great time.

 

[Ant123]

Brilliant advice, thank you

 

[Ant123]

Sounds like he was just having a great time.

Yes, I think he was. He’s an ex police horse so it must have felt great to have a massive stretch in front of him!

 

[J&S]

Aim for the hills next time!

 

[Ant123]

You are absolutely right. Thank you

 

[MissTyc]

The crisp mornings are here!
My trusty cob stretched out for a proper gallop yesterday. He doesn't normally want to, but we were cantering along and suddenly the ground felt bouncy underfoot and then we were off ... I always hum the black beauty theme tune in those moments, tears streaming out of my eyes ... Happy horses

 

[scats]

Mine likes any excuse to gear shift into a full on gallop! She thinks it’s marvellous fun! She’s very much of the ‘why canter when we can gallop’ mindset and has to be kept in check when we are out hacking.

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

Phew- good to hear. That’s my instinct too

Lots of horses think wahey! When in open spaces, and without the uphill to slow him down, unless you were really asking him to remain at a controlled canter I think a little speed burst of excitement is very understandable! It probably also felt faster if you are used to saving speed for uphill sections of your hack. Plus the other rider could have pre empted her horse by asking it to stay in a lower gear. One of the great joys in life to some including me is letting a nice horse have their head for a little gallop before reining them in ?

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

Aim for the hills next time!

Yes if in doubt and all control lost and you want to stop, turn its head! Horses won’t gallop with their heads pointing away from the direction they are going (or maybe some will ??)