how do you introduce trot?

[Marilyn]

hello, our homebred is being ridden in the school without a lead rein in walk and is going really nicely, doing lots of school moves, etc. I think he's now at the stage where we can push on into trot- how would you do this? I'm thinking he needs to be lead again, just for a few steps with rider in sitting trot and then build up from there...your thoughts and experiences please?!

 

[savannahmelody]

Unless your rider has got a very balanced seat then I find they accept trot better in rising trot rather than having someone bumping on their back.

 

[Marilyn]

fair point- horse is quite sharp so will do some more rising and sitting in the saddle in walk

 

[serena2005]

what voice command did u give him when u lung him? let the rider do the same, always worked with mine

 

[smiffyimp]

When I was at this stage with my baby I was on the lunge with my instructor. He was pretty good on lunge and knew his voice commands. He was extremely good to back all the way through, but due to my imbalance at the time (thankfully i'm sooooooo much better now) he lost his balance and we both went arse over tit

no damage and no confidence lost, but I did get a friend (pro eventer) to try after that. All went swingingly

But I agree as above - go straight into rising trot, nice light seat and make sure rider is balanced. They feel really drunk at first, on the forhand etc they need the rider to really help them. Once they have accepted the weird feeling, he should be fine

 

[wackyracer]

definately rising trot on a baby, until they strengthen/relax enough to swing thru the back. Use your lunging aids but always with leg at the same time. . . he'l soon learn leg means forward, essential for a sharp baby!!!

Good Luck, keep us posted.

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

rising trot on lunge, dont sit on a baby, why dont you send him away to a good proffessional yard to be ridden away in walk trot and canter and hacking for 2 or 3 weeks? cheap at half the price, then go from there? babies need to be sent forward and have a good enough jockey to send them forward ( and ride through any antics). you only break them once?

 

[Marilyn]

thanks all- i'm delighted with how he's coming on-he was a tricky little blighter to start with and i have done a fair amount with young horses before- just some time ago- and everyone is different- some just seem to get what you mean now fuss at all, others seem to think everything is new and terrifying! thanks all- we practised rising in walk tonight and that went well so will push on!