William Micklem talks about Cheltenham and What horses Love to Do

[lauradean]

William Micklem wrote an interesting article about what horses like to do and that has got me thinking about my riding routine.

How regularly does everyone here gallop their horse?

I don't do a lot of galloping and think maybe I should add that into our schedule. My horse is older and I'll have to find a way to ease him into it to prevent injuries. How does everyone else incorporate galloping? How long do you go? Do you do intervals? Any suggestions for getting started? Thanks.

 

[Sol]

I'd be tempted - if we had somewhere TO gallop or have a good play... :/
When I used to ride out from home, there's a bridlepath nearby that is literally UNUSED so I'd give poneh a good blast up there occasionally, but new yard has all the other facilities except the best off road hacking
Not to mention.... Danny tends to do enough galloping off of his own accord right now.... heh

 

[HumBugsey]

Change is as good as a rest. Even known carriage horses that are put under saddle and taken out for a good blast every now and then! They always used to come back so happy even if they'd had a hard week.

 

[lauraandjack]

I take mine to the beach as often as I can. Out hacking round here there isn't really anywhere you can let them go. I think it's really good for their brains to be allowed to gallop as fast as they like on a loose contact, rather than constantly being held back.

Jack will pull up on the beach in a snaffle on a very light contact - because he's been allowed to go as fast as he wants.