Maintaining the trot

[robyn52]

Hello,

Iv looked everywhere for tips on how to maintain the trot and stop the horse from slowing down. I know kicking should be avoided...obv :p but im slightly apprehensive about getting it wrong in my next lesson HELP

Love
Robyn:o

[Joyscarer]

Don't worry about getting it wrong on your lesson, lessons are for you to learn in so if you aren't sure about anything then ask the instructor because that is what you are paying then for. ;) :)

To maintain the trot then gently squeeze with your calfs if you feel the horse begining to lose momentum. Don't continually squeeze unless you have to because your horse will begin to ignore you a bit like you would a nag that bangs on and on about the same thing all the time. :D

[Trio]

if the horse slows down then you can push him forward with your seat and keep rising at the same speed- he should then step up the pace in response (in theory anyway).

[curlycal]

Hello and welcome :)

When I started learning trot my RI recommended a squeeze with the leg, if that was ignored a small kick or a light tap with the whip behind my leg rather then nagging at the horse with my legs.

Cal x

[kiwigirl]

Well this is exactly what I worked on in a lesson today. So firstly squeezing with your calves as soon as you feel the momentum slowing.Also to only do this if it is slowing not all the time. The other cool thing we did today was to speed up the trot by rising faster and to slow it down by rising slower. Think I achieved it!

Prior to learning this it was squeeze with the leg, squeeze again a bit harder if not response, then a kick and if all else failed holding a crop. Very lucky if Suzie is having a sluggish day as the just holding a crop is enough to get her going! On the other hand once she does its a battle to slow her!

[.Natasha.]

I find counting the rhythm of the trot helps, and trying to keep the same beat of rising. Squeezing the horse gently on should encourage them, and also a light tap with a crop/whip.

[robyn52]

thank you, thats definitely put my mind at rest, so now i will be able to enjoy my next lesson :D

x

[the_little_one]

Try using your voice as well as your calves, i find they respond quite nicely to that.

[Animallover4eva]

Keep your weight forward in the saddle when asking for a trot. Praise the horse when trotting and try not to kick - it's not good for the horse.

[micky17]

use a wip/crop (and remember to try angd squees/kick when your sitting )

[loopyh]

I've also been told to squeeze with the calfs when I sit in rising trot. Its really good when you get it right - totally different to a kick.

[mayoguinness]

I've read all about what kicking a horse in the side does physically and emotionly to them and its not good! So I would NEVER suggest to anyone to try kicking a horse, and whiping - in my opinion there are better ways that don't use force though in a riding school situation I know its difficult;)

[Talesofthehorse]

I have suffered the same problem, keeping the momentum going!

Squeeze, encourage with the voice and use the whip if necessary! I have a long dressage whip which is easy to use and the noise generally has an effect even if I don't make contact!

Some days its easier than others!

[Method_Acting]

Being on the correct diagonal will help, and keeping your hands as quiet as possible. If you haven't learnt about diagonals yet then don't worry! It is hard to maintain the trot when you're just learning. Quality is better than quantity. Flapping your legs to try and get the whole way around the school is not as good as a few good strides of trot..

good luck :)

[Cupcake]

I wish I had your problem :p Getting Skye to come back from a trot is my problem. Your riding a lesson horse? Some of them can be very dull to your leg movements. So use your voice and sometimes making a clicking noise makes them pick up the trot. I never use my legs or reins on Skye, just my seat and voice.

[robyn52]

thank you! that should really help in my next lesson. I am really lucky as the horse i ride at the school isnt lazy, he loves to trot, and from what iv heard he gets really excited about jumping

[robyn52]

thank you, your tips will really help in my next lesson. I am really lucky that i ride one of the younger school horses so he isnt as lazy :)

[myronshear]

Carry A Riding Crop And Tap The Horse On The Rear End As Needed
It Is Not Un Commen For A Horse To Break Gate If The Horse Gets Tiried Of Responding And Happens When The Horse Knowes The Ruteen I Hope It Works For You Myron

[louise1]

I seem to be having the same problem with keeping the pace going with my rs horse aswell. I was quite disheartened on my last lesson as i seem to be going back a few lessons. I try my hardest to squeeze my legs when i should, and only tap my whip when needed as the last resort. But the horse i am learning on seems to like to shuffle and not stride out. but i dont know how to correct this, as there is only so much i can do!

[LMS]

If you can figure out why & when the horse slows down, you can anticipate it & use your leg aids right before the slowing down occurs. A crop behind the leg is a good idea, if not, are you allowed to use your voice or make a mouth noise (clucking)?

Sometimes it's because the rider stopped communicating with the horse, so the horse is assuming it's ok to slow down.

Or sometimes, the rider just starts to get tired & doesn't readily notices that even though the aid feels the same, it's actually feeling weaker on the horse.

There's quite a few reasons.

I knew a mare that was so smart that the moment she knew the rider didn't have full attention on her, she'd slow down & eventually stop. :)

[louise1]

Yes i am allowed to talk and cluck to the horsey. I think maintaining the pace will be something i will pick up and learn as i get more lesson under my belt.
thanks for the answer

[Joyscarer]

I haven't read all the replies I'm afraid but one thing apart from leg aids to think about is whether you are rising in time with the horse. Slowing down your rising slows down the horses pace so it could be that you aren't rising int time and so are losing momentum :confused: