How can i get my horse to ......

[Songbird]

walk on - i have spent 12 months finding my perfect neddy the obvious being safe etc a priority - well i have her & she walks sooooo slow my legs are absoloutely killing every time i ride - she is 100% fit & well & doesnt struggle with her pace on the way home or when being lunged etc so i know she CAN do it she just WONT!

I am a novice rider but i've never strugglrd to just get a nice working walk before!!!

any advice is greatly appreciated x

 

[hannah28]

if i was you i would alternate legs so squeeze right leg then left and so on.
if that fails i would say you need to get a schooling whip to remind her she needs to listen.

 

[GeorgieLee]

yep I agree alteernating legs, good idea and yep she needs to be reminded that you are in charge and a schooling whip is definately best those slappy on the shoulder short ones dont work!

 

[kiteman0]

you need to follow a faster horse
as you know bijou will slow and slow untill he stops if he has a chance
but since riding with freddie who has a fast pace it has made a big diffrence
plus carry a whip so you can just push her on alittle with it.

we could have a poll: who's got the slowest horse

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Unfortunately some horses don't care about keeping up with their companions. I've had a few patent-safety ones who would just carry on on their own sweet way whatever any-one else did.
I second the alternate legs idea but don't just use your legs, 'walk' with your hips in time with the horse's rhythm, once you have that established you can speed the rhythm up a bit, just as you can slow a trot by slowing your rise.
Good luck!

 

[Songbird]

thank you so much for the advice i will definitely try the alternate legs!!!


the thing is Kiteman as you know i ride out with Sammy & i bet she walks faster than any horse on the yard but Bridie just wont keep up - & she stops whenever Sammy does just 12ft behind her lol - makes chatting awkward - i just shout - but she wont walk next to her at all!

I dont think i'm good enough with my legs to use spurs yet - i'm going to try alternate legs right now lol!!!!

I've booked a riding lesson too - on one of their horses as i have no trailer just yet. i realised watching my daughter (8) that i am actually just guessing how to ride having not been taught lol!!!

I'll let you know how i get on - i'm sure if somone else jumped on her she would just do it!!! lol x

 

[baymareb]

Alternate legs works very well. Remember though to stop pushing when you get the walk you want - that's the reward and is what will teach her that if she just goes on as you like, she won't be pestered all the time. As soon as she starts lagging again though, put those legs on.

 

[Songbird]

just wanted to say thank you so much for your advice - i tried the alternate legs & she walked significantly faster & i used my seat as though i was copying her strides - with your knowledge i could be doing Badminton next year lol!!!

just joking ........... i've lost my shutttlecock....... unless they do a Badminton.. the trotting poles version! ! lol!! x

thank you ,thank you - i love it when somthing works!