In hand show producers!

[Persephone]

I am going to show my mare in hand for the first time this year. Trouble is she is very laid back and the best I can get from her is a non interested drag, quite honestly!

How can I get her to sharpen up her trot in hand?

Thanks

 

[pastie2]

I am going to show my mare in hand for the first time this year. Trouble is she is very laid back and the best I can get from her is a non interested drag, quite honestly!

How can I get her to sharpen up her trot in hand?

Thanks

Get someone behind her with a plastic bag tied onto a whip. Ask for trot and have the person behind rattle the bag. She might shoot off a couple of times but will soon get the idea. A good trot in hand is most important. Good luck.

 

[xloopylozzax]

rather than chasing initially (get a bottle full of stones aswell, that will jazz her up [this is a joke btw]) make sure you are telling her what you want. otherwise that method stops working the second the person puts the whip down

lead from the shoulder, pushing her forwards- if you get infront she will stop. carry a long dressage whip and flick it behind if need be on her flank where your leg would be (careful she doesnt either run over you or cow kick if shes a stroppy madam)
are you using a halter, bridle, or plain headcollar?

make sure she is walking out before you start attempting to trot, practise transitions so she is listening to you and mean it (if your just jogging she wont move either). someone to help (either with a lunge whip, or just running up behind her) is useful though.

 

[Persephone]

I will be using a plain bridle as I am thinking L/W hunter class.

The transitions thing makes a lot of sense. She needs a rocket under her to get a trot at the moment!

It's my fault, I have never persevered with it. She's lovely under saddle, but in a headcollar we just amble about! I don't think she has a clue what I am on about if I ask her to trot!

 

[appylass]

I've always used an older, experienced horse to teach youngsters about trotting in hand and wondered if it would help yours get the idea. I get someone to lead 'expert' horse, I give the commands, the other handler trots on and baby follows, hopefully associating my words with the action that's happening! It hasn't failed for me yet and means I avoid the 'dragging' bit Over two or three sessions they get to the point where they will trot with a tongue click.