Hop into trot!

[Serianas]

Hi all,

Just wondering about something I have noticed about new pony (two months on he is STILL new pony lol). Everytime we go into trot he does a strange little hop... from the floor it looks like he hasnt organised his legs properly so needs to hop, but from on board it feels like he is trying to canter... Its very strange how its the only the first step....

When I had him vetted there was nothing untowards, so im wondering if he is simply unbalanced as he is still very green... absolute star but green as grass lol

Also I bought him with the intention of doing very low level dressage... will this stop us as i dont want to lose marks for breaking gait...

 

[Red-1]

Hi, I have had this with young horses plenty. I think it is not only when they are unbalanced but also when they are not smart off your leg. The horse should give a little surge forwards in walk even when just touched with a slight leg aid.

I would play with the walk a little more, asking and getting a small increase with a light touch. Once this is easy then you can ask for a bit more a bit more a bit more until the horse will go into trot on his own.

By doing it this way the horse will be raising his back as he gives a bit more each time, and the transition should just happen.

 

[dreambigpony]

This is exactly what my four year old cob does. She's very responsive but when it comes to trot she hops in and sticks her head right up. She's been back checked, tack etc but it is just a young horse thing. They need to find their feet first.

 

[gunnergundog]

Horse is trying to avoid pushing from behind in the transition. Need to make sure that the horse is out to the contact and remains there as they normally draw back when they hop in the transition. Let the nose right out and get the back end working.