Show Gallop

[express_75]

Hi
My section D mare & i are finally getting somewhere!
After weeks of ups & downs & my loss of confidence, we're going great in the school! We're cantering!

She's done two ridden shows with my friend as i've never done a ridden class before and i cant wait!!

I'll probably do one at the end of summer.

I just wanted to ask about the gallop? Do i just extend the canter and stay sitting or get out of the saddle and have a full gallop? What if i struggle to pull up? My friend hasn;t had a problem with this, my mare does listen but as im new to this im just a little worried but also excited!!!!

Any advice?

x

 

[Cop-Pop]

You're meant to gallop while staying upright but having been to loads of shows just lately I haven't seen anyone actually achieve anything apart from a slightly faster canter.

 

[Vicki1986]

from what i have learnt its important not to go arms flapping and all guns blazing, and you must be able to stop neatly without a fight.

sometimes in some of the WHP classes i do some people just do a slightly extended/faster canter which looks a bit naff.

i let my pony really stretch out and have a gallop as i know its her best part of her show - and that she will stop with no fuss.
as im approaching the corner i gather my self together a bit and then as i leave the corner slowly acclerate, then as im coming to the next corner sit back up and down and slow her back to a canter, get her back on her hocks and collect her all up together.

 

[express_75]

Thanks very much. Really helpful

Let you all know how it goes when i finally do a ridden class with her!

 

[Vicki1986]

get pics too! just go for it. i used to be nervous, and you should have seen what i looked like too but you have to start somewhere. just do it you will suprise your self. have some bachs rescue rememdy or something first, or whisky if your partial!

 

[express_75]

lol!
I will post some pics! Love action shots!

Make mine a double vodka!!

x

 

[blackcob]

[ QUOTE ]

i let my pony really stretch out and have a gallop as i know its her best part of her show - and that she will stop with no fuss.
as im approaching the corner i gather my self together a bit and then as i leave the corner slowly acclerate, then as im coming to the next corner sit back up and down and slow her back to a canter, get her back on her hocks and collect her all up together.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is exactly what I do.

I've won classes on the fact that my horse galloped 'properly' and the second placed horse was reluctant to extend or only achieved a fast canter, so a good gallop is important. If you don't think you will achieve a good gallop, concentrate on a good canter instead, just don't make it look as though the horse is reluctant to go forwards.