Odd strides in trot...out of rhythm, forging, bridle lame...?

Sarah1

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 February 2006
Messages
2,273
Visit site
Hi
I took my gelding for a hack last night - we trotted & cantered most of the way & this is something we do regularly.
Bailey has a tendency to forge but so far has not actually over reached.
Anyway, in trot he tends to get a bit carried away and starts running on a bit, his legs seem to lose their rhythm and he'll feel lame for a few strides altho he isn't lame. I've tried half halting & slowing my rise to slow him down & rebalance him but they only seem to work short term.
He's not so bad when out in company so I don't know if he's just rushing to get home perhaps?
He does it before & after having a good canter so I don't think it's because he's fresh.
Any ideas on what may be causing it or how I can stop it?
I'm going to speak to my farrier about doing something about the forging and pop over reach boots on in case he's catching himself & that's causing it...
Thanks
 
My 4 year old does the same thing and rushes forward in a really uneven trott. I've tried half halting him and as you say it only works abit.
So I don't really know what to tell you but if you get an anwser that works, I would love to hear it!!
grin.gif
 
My 4yo does the same, if you are only trotting/cantering on a track then he is basically excited and disunited (if its the same as my lad and not lameness etc). I worked on it by just going in the school, getting a good instructor, and working on rhythm and trying to slow the trot as much as possible.

ETA - he only does it when he is trotting too fast, or at least moving his legs too fast, rather than a steady one......two... rhythm.
 
Yes that sounds about right but he does it on the road too. He's always more tense in trot & particularly in straight lines I have difficulty getting him to soften but he seems to be better if I allow him to stretch down whilst trying to slow my rise & stay as balanced & quiet as possible.
His saddle is ready for checking but this isn't a problem that's there all the time, in company he's not nearly as bad unless they get into a race type scenario, so I'm not convinced the saddle is to blame.
It def feels as tho his legs are going to fast...!
 
Top