How do you stop from a canter/gallop?

debsey1

debsey1

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Unfortunately my cob and I don't get to canter very often up until recently when we had the opportunity to canter through some farmland (farmer said it was ok, Yay!) Anyway, so off we go, quite controlled from trot to canter then full on gallop! Thing is, he was enjoying it so much he didn't want to stop it was only when he threw a little buck in it unbalanced me and I fell off! I wasn't hurt at all as ground was so soft & grass was a good 4 to 6 inches tall.

I tried leaning back in my seat & tried to pull on the right rein but to no avail he was so strong. What do you suggest I do for next time?
 
you have 4 options - downwards transition like any others really - sit up and sit into saddle and use reins (a rudimentary explaination - but you know what i mean lol)

- or as above but use one rein to circle if he is not listening

or - keep him going in circles until he tires - then kick him on until he really wants to stop - ie teach the bugger that its tiring and hard work to stay in gallop

or = use a stronger bit so you dont have to haul on him
 
Kicking on till he realises that actually this isn't fun anymore has worked for my ponies in the past :) one used to tank off with me without fail, until one day I pushed him on and we did the WHOLE hack in trot - he never bothered tanking off again!
K x
 
Its all about being able to sit up and use your seat to force him back into the canter rhythm.
Also sponge both reins seperately. Left then right then left. So he can't fix against you.
If that fails and he then still won't listen to you I would consider a bit change.
 
One tactic I have seen is leaning right back while screaming 'Stop stop stop you stupid ************* horse **** **** *********'. Well ok, one tactic I have tried. Didn't work all that well:o:D

I would get someone to go with you so they can watch what you're doing and see if there's anything you can change. Might be that you need slightly longer stirrups for a deeper seat, for example? Could your instructor go out for a hack with you, in place of a school-based lesson?:)
 
Spudlet said:
One tactic I have seen is leaning right back while screaming 'Stop stop stop you stupid ************* horse **** **** *********'. Well ok, one tactic I have tried. Didn't work all that well:o:D
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PMSL, yes seen that, plus the wild sawing on the horses gob whilst screaming HELP, HEEEELP :D (Not sure what I was supposed to do, give chase, straddle said runaway horse like they do in the movies maybe? :D )
 
If he bucked you off you were still cantering (thankfully).

If he's likely to do it again don't ride in too forward a seat, that way your position will be more secure and your less likely to come off. And ensure a good contact with his mouth.
 
One thing to suggest, if you don't already use one, I'd stick a neckstrap on to give yourself something to grab if needed:)

Oldmare, there is coffee all over my screen now:mad::p:D
 
You could try a stronger bit which you could use lightly until needed, could stop the buck aswell. Scarey for you, last time I was bolted with I kicked on until she was VERY grateful to stop & never repeated the excercise. Boys I have at the moment can be at full gallop I just say canter which I get then say trot ditto. They learnt the commands on the lunge & I just keep using them, makes life easy all round. Take care of yourself, try a body protector until it's sorted.
 
KellysHeroes said:
Kicking on till he realises that actually this isn't fun anymore has worked for my ponies in the past :) one used to tank off with me without fail, until one day I pushed him on and we did the WHOLE hack in trot - he never bothered tanking off again!
K x
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You actually made me laugh reading this.... Could imagine you all red faced saying, you want to go, you go!

Hubby did exactly the same with the youngster in the field the other day, he started squealing and bucking down a steep field, all I could hear was oh shouting, you want to buck you buck and kicked him on, they bronced all down the hill then went for a good gallop, no idea if it acheived anything but they both had fun! lol
 
Aw, bless him ! (Little sod.) My guess is, that it was such a fun moment for him, he forgot his manners.
Apart from the strategies already mentioned, of which, keeping him going until he begging to stop, is quite effective, you could try checking him the moment the canter gets a bit too strong- before he's zipped up the throttle. Ideally, canter up hill, its more exhausting, or if all fails point him at a hedge. Having a cob brain, he'll want to eat it not jump it.

Do as much active trotting before you start cantering to take the wind out of his sails (or pre-ride lungeing) and don't tense up but hold a Jesus strap or neck strap. Try ensuring he knows voice commands too, as every aid helps when they get strong.
Ironically, the more canter work he does,the better. Less likely that he'll find it so exciting.
 
LOL I actually did...he stopped I was at it "Oh nooo you little ***** you want to bloody tank off with me, you can carry on now. Go go go go go!!!!!" red faced, angry, heart pounding 'cause I lost a stirrup and nearly came off into what could only be described as a bog....
Trotted back into the yard, covered in mud, muttering to myself with one sweaty but well behaved pony with a very guilty look on his face!!!
K x

ETA OP on a serious note, using voice commands is a very good idea - teach him on the lunge :) Ask for a trot first and try to bring him back and make sure you canter when you want to, not when he wants to! And a neck strap is a good idea too until you get your confidence up and get the issue sorted :)
 
Devonshire dumpling said:
Hubby did exactly the same with the youngster in the field the other day, he started squealing and bucking down a steep field, all I could hear was oh shouting, you want to buck you buck and kicked him on, they bronced all down the hill then went for a good gallop, no idea if it acheived anything but they both had fun! lol
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Ha ha ! Happened to me at the weekend. Naughty baby. OH said, sure you want to canter again now ?
Replied... Yes, I bloody do...
 
Damnation said:
Its all about being able to sit up and use your seat to force him back into the canter rhythm.
Also sponge both reins seperately. Left then right then left. So he can't fix against you.
If that fails and he then still won't listen to you I would consider a bit change.
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Thanks for all your advice. I think because we don't get to canter very often (its not the same in the sand school) I don't get to perfect my cantering skills, but you are right I needed to sit up and deeper into my seat to bring him back into a more controlled canter and maybe a bit change
 
Lots of good advice above so I'll just add one thing...
PRACTICE!

If horse only gets to canter/gallop rarely and has bags of energy/excitement then it will be harder however great your technique.

As soon as you've recovered from your tumble I'd get out there again (take a friend on horse/foot or tell someone where you're going just in case) and then, ground, farmers etc permitting, make it a regular thing. Not always in the same place or direction. But often. The novelty will wear off :-)

Have fun!
 
Blimey, I think people are over reacting a bit regarding the bit ( no pun intended !).
Your horse doesn't get to gallop very often in an open space, so he got a bit carried away.
Not nice to be on board at that time, but practice makes perfect I think.
The more you do it, the less inclined he is to get over excited.
As other people have already suggested, lean back if you can and try working on your voice aids. I wouldn't start faffing with other bits or have "more experienced persons" having a go, I think your horse would have done the same with anybody or any bit.
 
The kick on and go trick can work if you've got the space to just make him go on. I use it on the beach with my lad cos he can't control himself once he hits sand..bless he does try but after a few bounce's it's just too much for him and he goes!! Obviously if the way is clear I just let him go and kick on, the sea stops him..usually!! Lol!!!

Definately see no need for a bit change, just an excited horse is a rare situation who got a bit silly, combinded with an inexperienced rider (to cantering as you've admitted) and of course something was going to happen. Just need to ensure next time it's more controlled, definately go out with another rider who will lead and who has brakes, and ensure you trot for a bit first, then allow a few strides of canter, ask for him to come back to trot, and do that a few times until you are happy you have control.

It's bound to happen if you don't get to let rip very often, I'd ask around for people who could maybe give you lifts to more open places to ride, or invest in a local farm ride if you have any? Always go with someone you trust who's horse is calm and chilled, the more you do something the easier it gets. My boy is 10 this year and he still enjoys a good old gallop, I'm lucky I have access to lots of open spaces but doesn't stop him from getting strong and silly at times..but at least I know I can control him if I have to.

Enjoy and try to not be nervous next time you go out.
 
Well if you've got access all summer can you use the fields to school in too? Make them not such an exciting place to be? We have 40 acres we can ride in and while obviously I do take advantage and have a blast I also use it for summer time schooling so he know's it's not all about the fun! Have had a loss of control at times but it does help take the 'fun' out of a place if they have to actually work sometimes in it.
 
jsr said:
Well if you've got access all summer can you use the fields to school in too? Make them not such an exciting place to be? We have 40 acres we can ride in and while obviously I do take advantage and have a blast I also use it for summer time schooling so he know's it's not all about the fun! Have had a loss of control at times but it does help take the 'fun' out of a place if they have to actually work sometimes in it.
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Thats a good idea! Hadn't thought of that. Going there tonight after work so will give it a try.....he'll be disappointed
 
debsey1 said:
Thats a good idea! Hadn't thought of that. Going there tonight after work so will give it a try.....he'll be disappointed
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Lol!! My lad is the same, his ears go up when we go through the gate..then as soon as I turn towards the bottom bit of the field he knows it's work time not play time...although we do indulge in a bit of blast at the end of a session, well life is boring without a bit of fun!!;)
 
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