When is it best to learn to Gallop?

[Belle Rider]

Just thought i'd get your views on when is the best time to learn to gallop on a horse? Would it be best after the canter is well established or leave it til after you've got some jumping experience first?

The reason I'm asking is because I went for a hack with my sister at a riding school on Saturday and we had a lovely canter on our very forward-going steeds. Then the RI asked us on the way back if we had any jumping experience as we were having a scramble down and over a ditch. We both said no. Then my sister asked about galloping and the RI said she wouldn't let her pupils gallop until they had done jumping first because it's a much faster pace and you really need to be good at controlling the horse first before going at that sort of speed!

My mum went to a different RS on the same day and her RI was encouraging her to come for a gallop next time and my mum's only been learning to canter for a month or two and is still holding on to the mane!! :eek: Is it too soon for her to progress onto galloping or should she throw caution to the wind and go for it?:p

Have to admit I'm slightly envious because I'm really enjoying cantering and would love to give galloping a go but not sure my regular RI would let me do so!!:rolleyes:

[oinkmoooink]

Im a bit cautious about galloping full stop, in my opinion, its the pace where horses natural instinct is most likely to take over, however i did have my firs proper gallop on my D a few weeks ago, and loved it, howeer the next day she bolted and i fell off so not sure if ill be doing that again soon.
However, i would say after jumping experiance and a lot of hacking experiance definatly, and dont think your mum sounds ready, but also down to the ponies.
I wasnt even sure if riding schools taught galloping, ive never asked...but yes ive been riding about 6 or 7 years and had my own ponies for about 3 years of that and dont gallop really, but thats just me and my horses temperament

[ilovemyboys]

i have never jumped for real in my life i first galloped i mean dead run type gallop when i was... 6 i think if not before then it may be different since your english riding but i imagine its the same overall principle

[Soot]

At my RS we would canter until we reached this huge field (endless) and then it was each child/pony for their own == raaaace. Man, it was crazy but it gave me a great seat. No one ever got hurt either which goes to show that survival instinct doe take over when you cling on :D.

[Belle Rider]

The first (and only time) I galloped was back when I used to ride at the age of 12. I'd been taught how to ride by a friend who owned horses and ponies and was pretty confident at cantering. So she took me along for a gallop on the beach with other lassies from the RS she taught at. I thought it was brilliant and no harm came to me. I just grabbed a chunk of mane and when everyone else took off my pony followed. It was a bit of a free-for-all because we weren't in any order and some were going faster than others but they did stop galloping when we asked them to and on the whole it was a very positive experience...... But that was 16 years ago and age has made me a lot more nervous and it's taken me a lot longer to get up to the standard (and confidence) of riding I was at back then. Still I would at some point in the future love to try a gallop but not sure if it's best do so after jumping experience or before! ;)

[horse__obsessed]

i dont think you should have to be able to jump but i do think you should be very confident at canter

i rode for 5 years at a RS as well as at other and not once did i gallop so id just be grateful you will be able to at some point!

from personal experiences i would say tho that the best time to learn to gallop is when you are on a friends pony and being tanked with :D no time like the present!

[coss]

i can't remember when i learned to gallop - dawn taught me :p
the main reason an RI would want you to have jumped is because you then learn to balance in forward seat (or that's what i would expect is the reason). i think i must have done jumping before but it was so long ago and not something my riding school did. if you can canter in forward seat round an arena, maybe ride a few circles and do a couple of transitions then i don't think the ability to jump is needed also - you probably would be sufficiently balanced to jump though.
i came off on my first gallop - not in the galloping process, in the stopping process :p we stopped rather sooner than i'd antisipated

[Belle Rider]

the main reason an RI would want you to have jumped is because you then learn to balance in forward seat (or that's what i would expect is the reason). i think i must have done jumping before but it was so long ago and not something my riding school did. if you can canter in forward seat round an arena, maybe ride a few circles and do a couple of transitions then i don't think the ability to jump is needed also - you probably would be sufficiently balanced to jump though.


That makes a lot of sense actually. I attempted to ride in the forward seat on Saturday because the horse had an extremely boucy canter and I was having great difficulty keeping my butt in the saddle. But when I stood up and leant forward I lost my balance and toppled forward too far!!:eek: I nearly came off but by some miracle I managed to stay on and sit back down in the saddle. So I will definitely make sure I learn how to balance in the forward seat before i do galloping!!

[Katie1986]

I remember my first gallop, it was on holiday in France, and I'd gone for a hack with my aunty and a French guide, it was fantastic! They seemed to be more relaxed about things over there, as I think I'd been riding about 6 months or so!

[*Sez*]

TBH, I don't gallop on hacks, but I'm fairly sure I was galloping before I was jumping. Having been bolted with goodness knows how many times in my years of riding, cantering is always done in a controlled manner, but the forward seat of galloping, especially on an ex-racer :rolleyes: can sometimes set him off in "racing mode" and the speed can make it difficult to get back in the saddle to give a slowing-down weight aid. So I don't do it, and I don't let anyone else who rides him gallop either, as they may not realise that he has this tendancy, which can equal an accident.

Some people seem to be big believers in "having a blast" on a hack, but my horse is turned out 24/7 all year round, so he has plenty of time to do that without me!

I think the trouble is that some riders let the horse completely take charge of the gallop, which can lead to dodgy steering and a sudden unexpected return to trot which is when most of the people I know have come off over the horse's shoulder.

[BabyBear]

i can't remember when i learned to gallop - dawn taught me :p
the main reason an RI would want you to have jumped is because you then learn to balance in forward seat (or that's what i would expect is the reason). i think i must have done jumping before but it was so long ago and not something my riding school did. if you can canter in forward seat round an arena, maybe ride a few circles and do a couple of transitions then i don't think the ability to jump is needed also - you probably would be sufficiently balanced to jump though.
i came off on my first gallop - not in the galloping process, in the stopping process :p we stopped rather sooner than i'd antisipated

Ditto this - I never actually had lessons on galloping - I just had to learn when my horse suddenly decided that galloping was his favourite gait - I've done some jumping but not a lot - as long as you have a reasonable forward seat you should be ok.

[Joyscarer]

I never learnt to gallop either. I don't see it as being much different to a fast canter anyway.

Weirdly enough Joy is at her spookiest in trot and that's the pace I struggle with on her so prefer a walk to canter transition :rolleyes:

[XxXJessXxX]

Just thought i'd get your views on when is the best time to learn to gallop on a horse? Would it be best after the canter is well established or leave it til after you've got some jumping experience first?

The reason I'm asking is because I went for a hack with my sister at a riding school on Saturday and we had a lovely canter on our very forward-going steeds. Then the RI asked us on the way back if we had any jumping experience as we were having a scramble down and over a ditch. We both said no. Then my sister asked about galloping and the RI said she wouldn't let her pupils gallop until they had done jumping first because it's a much faster pace and you really need to be good at controlling the horse first before going at that sort of speed!

My mum went to a different RS on the same day and her RI was encouraging her to come for a gallop next time and my mum's only been learning to canter for a month or two and is still holding on to the mane!! :eek: Is it too soon for her to progress onto galloping or should she throw caution to the wind and go for it?:p

Have to admit I'm slightly envious because I'm really enjoying cantering and would love to give galloping a go but not sure my regular RI would let me do so!!:rolleyes:



Hi, I have been riding for 9 years now and I am 14, however i can still give good advice :)! You should get you canter right then maybe jump some small cross poles to get your balance better. Then I went on a beach ride and galloped the length of the beach. It just comes naturally i guess because i actually didn't mean to gallop but once i started i couldn't stop. It is fun but only gallop if it is safe, no one is around, the ground is soft and never go downhill... Good luck with the galloping :D... Jess :)

[Joyscarer]

You should get you canter right then maybe jump some small cross poles to get your balance better.

But I have never been interested in jumping and have never had a jumping lesson even after more than 26 years of riding!

Only early this year was I interested in popping some jumps which I do when out hacking. I still haven't had lessons for jumping but still feel entitrely confident with the galloping and small logs and am happy with my position.

The galloping came a good 25 years before the jumping did :D

I still fail to see how much different galloping is to a good fast canter :confused:

[coss]

But I have never been interested in jumping and have never had a jumping lesson even after more than 26 years of riding!

Only early this year was I interested in popping some jumps which I do when out hacking. I still haven't had lessons for jumping but still feel entitrely confident with the galloping and small logs and am happy with my position.

The galloping came a good 25 years before the jumping did :D

I still fail to see how much different galloping is to a good fast canter :confused:

i think the main difference is canter is a 3 beat rhythm, gallop is a 4 beat rhythm. a good fast canter requires the horse to be fairly balanced, if they go disunited they are likely to fall to trot quite quickly IME. in gallop they keep going and it seems very unbalanced (unless you are used to it). the gallop should be like the canter as the extra beat is simply where the diagonal pair are separated (so it should be outside hind, inside hind, outside fore, inside fore). However this isn't always the case - when the horse changes (front or behind) you then feel like you're seat is moving in circles but a horse can maintain in quite well (again IME :p) the horse generally feels like it flattens as they become more streamlined.
i do agree that the NEED to jump is probably unnecessary though, it may help some riders but certainly not all.

[Joyscarer]

Yep, I get the 3 beat 4 beat thing but my point (very badly made I know!) is that I don't see it as any different to the canter so if you can do one you can do the other!

[Wally]

If you can canter and have reasonable balance in a forward seat then have a go at gallop. There's only one way to learn something and you cannot learn gallop from a book.

[spamchops]

Well at last your RS gallops on hacks! They don't where we go hacking and to be honest at times I'm bored stiff! I've been riding 20 years and a steady canter out on a hack just doesn't get the blood flowing anymore.. Lots of places get quite shirty about it when we have asked and say "we don't DO galloping" How dull....

[ForestGump]

I'm teaching my 'brother' to ride at the moment (hes not my real brother!)
I took him out hacking today and he asked if we could go for a gallop.

Now anyone who has ridden out with me and Forest knows that Forest does fast or faster.
I didn't see it as a problem, I told him that if he felt unbalanced to shout and I would tell someone to pull up to help him. I said I would try to pull up but Forest doesn't stop easily so it would take me a while.

As it was he loved it and kept asking to go for another one. I think you can learn when you feel ready.

Bearing in mind this was about his 4th time on a horse! ;)

[joosie]

I agree with Joyscarer. When you're balanced and confident in the forward seat in canter, galloping isn't much different, just faster and (in my opinion anyway!) more comfortable. I learned to ride hacking, and I had my first gallop (accidentally!) on my first hack - terrifying of course, but I stayed on, and after that I had more confidence when learning to canter properly. I certainly don't think being able to jump has anything to do with it. I also agree with Wally - the only way to learn is to do it!
However, for a first gallop I don't think going in a group is a good idea, it's when horses are in company that a novice rider is likely to have more trouble with control. As for doing it at a riding school - a horse that is sensible to canter on a hack, and has good breaks, should not be any different when urged into a gallop. I would recommend going with an instructor you know and trust, and who knows you.

[gaz deluxe]

I agree with Joyscarer. When you're balanced and confident in the forward seat in canter, galloping isn't much different, just faster and (in my opinion anyway!) more comfortable. I learned to ride hacking, and I had my first gallop (accidentally!) on my first hack - terrifying of course, but I stayed on, and after that I had more confidence when learning to canter properly. I certainly don't think being able to jump has anything to do with it. I also agree with Wally - the only way to learn is to do it!
However, for a first gallop I don't think going in a group is a good idea, it's when horses are in company that a novice rider is likely to have more trouble with control. As for doing it at a riding school - a horse that is sensible to canter on a hack, and has good breaks, should not be any different when urged into a gallop. I would recommend going with an instructor you know and trust, and who knows you.
I don't think u learn to gallop u just hang on then progressivlyadaptt

[clarabella_78]

I've never been taught to gallop, it was just a natural progression from cantering on hacks. I don't do it very often though, I do feel you are more likely to lost control when the horse is going that fast.

[chickyd444]

dont think ive ever been taught to gallop, just did it as a kid, used to ride RS horses out with my mate and used to gallop all over the place. (well i think it was galloping) and then i bought jasper :D First time i galloped that horse it was like nothing i had ever known - the speed was incredible i was squealing and laughing at the same time, i was so happy and scared at the same time, he looked after me 100%. I think you know when your not in canter any more coz you cant sit to it, my backside automatically raises from the saddle and its comfy aswell;) i remember being so happy i cried, :o he went like a rocket down the beach, fantastic, i still let him go from time to time and tbh he's more sure footed in gallop then in any other gait:confused::p

[Carmen]

I learnt to gallop really quickly.....was walking round a field with a friend, we went into a little trot and horse took off. Went straight into a canter then gallop. I really had no choice then but to HOLD ON and occationaly wipe the water away from my eyes so i could see. Was funny and a great way to get over the thought of galloping !!

[charismabird]

TBH, Some people seem to be big believers in "having a blast" on a hack, but my horse is turned out 24/7 all year round, so he has plenty of time to do that without me!

I think the trouble is that some riders let the horse completely take charge of the gallop, which can lead to dodgy steering and a sudden unexpected return to trot which is when most of the people I know have come off over the horse's shoulder.

Totally agree with Sez - all this talk about 'learning to gallop' has me bemused. I've never understood what it is with novice riders who insist on doing more than they're capable of - and what's the big deal about galloping anyway?! If I were back at that stage, I'd be more concerned with learning the basics such as walk, trot and canter properly and developing a good seat and good hands which are pleasant for your horse, before I went tanking off around a field. When you're ready to gallop - or when you need to gallop - you'll gallop and I'm sure it'll be fun for you - but in the meantime, chill out! It's just a faster pace, not some mystical thing that will somehow make you a fabulous rider...

[Belle Rider]

Totally agree with Sez - all this talk about 'learning to gallop' has me bemused. I've never understood what it is with novice riders who insist on doing more than they're capable of - and what's the big deal about galloping anyway?! When you're ready to gallop - or when you need to gallop - you'll gallop and I'm sure it'll be fun for you - but in the meantime, chill out! It's just a faster pace, not some mystical thing that will somehow make you a fabulous rider...

Ok get down off your soap box. What is it with 'experienced riders' who seem to think they know everything and we know nothing. Think someone got out of the wrong side of bed this morning! :rolleyes:

[xloopylozzax]

tbh they have a point, riding isnt about learning set things in set orders in a certain timescale.

go with the flow and have fun, you will gallop when you are ready (and when the horse wants to).
it doesnt move you up into the next class if you do it, its like saying you jumped 4 foot so you can go in the advanced class- even if you got over it it doesnt make you automatically a good rider :).

no such thing as a certain number or thing that makes you a good rider, just time and patience and been able to deal with more and more different situations.

[vimto92]

Aw, galloping is amazing - I was very much a novice when I first galloped! Didn't really have a choice! :p BUT I wouldn't have turned down the oppurtunity.;)

Wait till you've been riding a bit longer and I'm sure they will let you.:)

[BeachRiding]

Well, my first gallop was on Gitcha I believe, was cantering along in a huge open (gulp) field, my sister was watching me for the first time, I probably had owned him a month, squeezed him up a notch.... BAD idea. 15hh barrel horses + novice rider used to slow horses.... not a good idea. He sure went into a gallop, hell I think we could have won a race..... needless to say he dropped his shoulder, dumped me and ran on home. :D

Second gallop, rode Gitcha in a field, cantering through an orchard, he spooked at a sprinkler, bolted 15 feet, I stayed on weehooo go me.....

Third gallop, Pete the runaway. I was quite pleased I stayed on seein as I was in total confidence wreck and was just trotting along around a barrel when he decided to leg it and not stop. reached the end of the arena he went one way I went the other.

Okay, you get the idea. Anyhow, it depends entirely on the rider, and it helps to have a nice steady reliable horse. I know some seven year olds that run/gallop flat out around barrels who have only been riding a few months. Then there are people that have been riding years and never have. I find that in western riding gallop is never treated like a big deal, after all MOST events require you to gallop, and many western riders are galloping within weeks of lessons. While it seems in english riding it is taken as a HUGE deal, and RI's make sure you are really prepared for it.

I don't know confusing matter and depends on loads of things.

[chickyd444]

Some people seem to be big believers in "having a blast" on a hack, but my horse is turned out 24/7 all year round, so he has plenty of time to do that without me!

I think the trouble is that some riders let the horse completely take charge of the gallop, which can lead to dodgy steering and a sudden unexpected return to trot which is when most of the people I know have come off over the horse's shoulder.


Could'nt disagree more - my horse is also on 24/7 turn out, but doesnt do anything other than eat, never once see him go any faster than a trot round his field. He enjoys a really good gallop, has never gone back to trot suddendly and me fell off. We have a beach near by and what better scenary and ground to have a gallop on ? he absolutely loves 'having a blast', he is easy to pull up or kick on. Galloping is part of having a horse for me, weather it be through the fields with a mate racing or on the beach with the wind in your face.

its interesting listening to peoples opinions about galloping :o i think alot of people are very nervous of galloping ???

[cwb]

Well I asked to learn 2 point in canter so that when I went up to Cumbria to ride the Clydesdales on the beach I could cope if they went into gallop.

As it happened we didn't gallop on the beach - it happened in a field the previous day - the canter just suddenly accelerated and flattened, I was sitting easily to the canter and stayed sitting for the gallop, it was so smooth.

There really isn't that much difference between canter and gallop and if you are secure at canter, you shouldn't have any problems at gallop. Just keep breathing and don't tense up!

[vieshot]

I dont think you need jumping experience to gallop. You need to be confident in canter and able to work in the forward seat. You need to have control of pace, direction and speed in walk, trot and canter. Once you can do this i see no reason why you cannot go for a good gallop :)

[Miki]

I agree with the first RI that you should probably jump soon but it depends because some people never learn to jump but perfect flat work. She should definately not gallop yet if she styill hold the mane at the canter. I have galloped once and I only stayed on becasue I have a good seat at the canter. That however was not planned at all. :D Jumping helps your seat because you become more aware of it and how it affects things

[*-crazy-chaz-*]

when you have an established seat, and can ride well in the other three paces, then when your ready and feel up to it :)
ETA-i am another who was never taught to gallop, just found out lol

[starrynight]

I would have thought that your canter work would need to be well established before attempting to gallop, the jumping i'm not sure about but i suppose it can only help!

The first ever gallop i went on was before i had jumped although we had been working a lot on our position. The most important part was that i felt ready and my RI thought i was ready and i was on a pony i trusted! It was great although wee william nearly went crashing into a tree when we tried to stop!

The best gallop i've been on was on holiday in spain - amazing fun, has me smiling just at the thought of it!!! :D

Good luck!

Debbie x