Getting a Horse to gallop!!!

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winchester

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THis is probably going to sound very odd but does anybody have any tips on getting a horse to gallop!

HE is now a 6yo and had 3 good seasons showing under saddle but just cant seem to get him to gallop. He is very funny about his girth when we first but his saddle on its like he wont breath so after a couple of circuits on the lunge he settles and is fine!! When we go to gallop its like he goes through the same thing he tenses up and usually broncs but just wont lengthen and go forward! We have tried gently getting him to lengthen in the fields but its still not a gallop and just wont go forward!

Some people have suggested just going to the gallops with a neck strap and some other horses and going for it.... or even going hunting, but of course there is nothing this time of year

Any other suggestions???
 
A lot of horses can't gallop on there own as they find it very hard to balance i would just work on his other paces and focus on getting these more balanced
 
I'm also interested in the answer to this. My lad will gallop quite happily, usually in pursuit or in a 'race' with one of his friends, but I would like to know how to ask him to make the transition from canter to gallop.

When I asked my OH how to do this, she said, "I don't know, you just sort of use your seat and do it". Yes, very helpful dear, thanks.
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We always took them out with other horses who can really gallop (usually my little 13hander! LOL) and find good spots and GO!! Eventually they twig, and you can gradually start to ask with a specific aid and get the response you require.
 
I would get him galloping with a friend in a safe spot, like the gallops. Hopefully the herd instinct will kick in and he will want to keep up!
 
I feel a little stupid now, I though all horses could and know how (guess my have been all nutty ponies or ex racers), my problem has normal been the downward transitions!
 
If he's been heavily shown then he'll be used to being ridden in collective manner so it will be something that no doubt feels very strange to him when asking him to lengthen and go faster, so the bucks might be either a way of saying....but mum I don't understand or I can't it feels weird if not little uncomfortable while the saddle is on, it may also be a sign that perhaps he needs his back checking or a some regular massage to help loosen him up for the type of work your now wanting him to do?...just a thought.

Other than that I'd just give it time, its like when young horses are first learning to canter unders saddle...its all a bit strange and takes time.
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Just a suggestion, but if you take a standing canter position, and lean forward more, putting the weight onto the forehand, then ask for more speed, might work, as in gallop the front end has to be racing the power end, if you see what I mean...perhaps not!!!

Brain, please work!!
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Just a suggestion, but if you take a standing canter position, and lean forward more, putting the weight onto the forehand, then ask for more speed, might work, as in gallop the front end has to be racing the power end, if you see what I mean...perhaps not!!!

Brain, please work!!
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If your brain is not working, then neither is mine, as that makes more sense than anything 'she who must be obeyed' has said on the subject.

Thanks
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Working with racehorses we find some really struggle to balance with a rider on their back and take quite to get the hang of it and 'let down' and gallop.
Your horse is still quite young, don't panic and don't make an issue of it.
Like f_s_ said take a forward position and try and keep still to help him with his balance. Preferably 'upsides' a friend.
Practice makes perfect!
 
I think it does take a while for some to learn to gallop with a rider. Mine took quite a while to do it, and we couldn't rustle him out of a lollopy canter for ages.

I would ditto the use of a few more gallop experienced horses and a large field/beach that you know the ground conditions are safe on (ie don't want to gallop full pelt onto soft sand on a beach, trust me - its not funny!!).
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Frank, being welsh, used to just put his knees up and down higher
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We have a half mile straight stretch of grass near us and I worked on it gradually to start, just encouraging him that he could put his neck down and stretch rather than get tense.

If he is out with another horse it works but only if I can keep him semi chilled. I am sure that is why he pulled a muscle in his shoulder down the beach, he was tense because he was up for a race and he reverts to type of tense neck and legs coming up which isn't what a show judge is looking for.

When showing, he knows when I am going to ask, he particuarly likes doing it in bad weather or championship classes where you get to do it one at a time, we have had some good ones then.

How do I ask? I do a bit of winding up on the short side before hand, put my leg on quite hard and keep him collected and poss some discreet clicking in his ear. Then he knows and after the corner I lean forwards and kick! cue gallop.

Noted from the last local show I did, flapping your elbows doesn't mean you horse is doing a gallop
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Definitely recommend the beach if you can get there. Not only is there bags of room but the firmness of the sand means that you can really hear the transition from 3 beats to 4.

Lean forward, let the horse take up a fast canter and then push gently for a gallop. You will hear the change in footfalls.
 
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