How do I keep my horse at a trot?

Question

I'm going into a show with my horse and I can't cluck to him or kick him and squeezing doesn't work...how can I keep him at a trot?

He's only 4 and he trys to listen to me, but he starts to pace when I squeeze. And in the show I'll get points taken off for clucking or kicking. my instructor trish has trained horses for years but she just had surjury, or I would have her ride him for me.

Answer 1

Carry a crop, my rule of thumb is squeeze, kissies and if the horse doesn't listen to that... I tap him on his bottom.
But make sure when you tap him on his bottom you are squeezing with legs and not pulling on his mouth. Hands forward :)
Then when he does listen to the crop... Drop him back down into a walk and just use your legs to go into the trot. If he doesn't listen give another tap and repeat until he does just off the leg.

Answer 2

Sounds like you can get him into the trot its keeping him going in the trot that is the issue here. Dont know what discipline your doing and what level of training your horse is at but if hes starting out and your doing western pleasure alot of the times when they start to slow their gait down they will break. This is a common problem and in time will correct itself once the horse builds muscle and strength. When your trotting try to feel when your horse is going to break and use your calf muscles to keep him going. As your trotting keep your legs close to keep him gathered and not to fall away from you and break the gait. You are right in not allowing the judge to hear you cluck or aggressive continuous kicking but a small tap or under the breath cluck is okay. This is a junior horse and not a senior but you are being judged against the abilities of other juniors so hope they have issues as well. Just keep working with him and stay one step ahead of him. If you feel he is playing games w/you then when he breaks let him know this is unacceptable by getting after him and keeping that trot going. Do this at home so your ready for the show ring. Good luck.

Answer 3

Most of the time you won't get points off for clucking or kicking when the caller first calls out the pace, but if you'd rather not kick him or cluck then you could just apply pressure in ur thighs calfs and nudge him with your heels. If it doesn't work you might want to try a small spurs or a riding crop. You may just need more time to bond with him but I hope that helps!

Answer 4

It's fine to cluck or kick him, but make sure you don't kick too hard.

You need to be firm. Don't be nervous, or he may think he can be boss or get nervous too, as horses can sense emotions. Speak in a firm voice, maybe use a crop but not cruelly. You should not hit the horse or anything, but be firm. Also try developing a relationship with him, if you have not already.

Some horses just need an experienced rider. If that is not you, then maybe, sadly, he is not the right horse for you. When I was younger I had a great pony, but he was too bossy and stubborn for me at the time when riding, so I had to sell him and get one my level. Be careful deciding on buying or selling a horse, though.

I hope it all works out well, good luck.

Answer 5

just cuz you're at a show doesn't mean you can't cluck or kick him to get him going. but if not try some small spurs and see if this works. or try riding with a small crop. sounds like you may need more time in the saddle with your partner there to get a better relationship going rather than going to a show. but hope all works and you have a good time and bring home some ribbons

Answer 6

if you are doing rising trot make sure your not landing in the seat heavily and keep it at a regular 1-2-1-2 rhythm. also make sure your on the right diagonal it might help. if that doesn't work then try urge him/her on with a little nudge - but don't wait until the horse/pony has stopped before you nudge when you see him/her slowing just a little squeeze should keep him/her going! plus every time you rise up give a small reminder to the horse/pony (for EG a nudge or gentle whip ) that you want it to keep trotting - talking to him/her should help however if the horse is just pure lazy then show him who is boss ( whip and nudge at start of trot ) and he/she should then understand what is wanted of him/her and you will hopefully get a trot :) ( if none of that works sternly and loudly (but not too loudly) say "trot on" and "come on (horses name)" that's what helped me anyway :) (make sure when you rise your not pulling the reins on the horse/ponies mouth) good luck and i hope your problem is sorted soon :)

Answer 7

Definately use a whip. I do not like spurs because if you lose your balance, you could accidently get your horse and cause problems ie running away, bucks...
I have had to only use it once, and now I just have to ride with it, sometimes with a warning tap, but my mare will always get going. (I raise drafts, so I know about lazyiness). Do not think it is cruel- as long as you are not whaling at him, it doesn't actually do much more than sting a bit. I would suggest also refraining from kicking him a lot- it he will lose his sensitivity and that will cause a lot of problems for you in most disciplines. Good luck!

Answer 8

if the rules say you can't do that i would go get stud spurs with only the ball on them not the rollers..and just nuge him up and keep him up but when he starts to slow down nuge him up again dont' let him slow down he will learn and dont worry he will learn " only 2 emotions are allow on a horse,1 happyness 2 patience" john lyons..if you get mad GET THE HELL OFF..dont' take it out on him.. because he is young..but will learn

Answer 9

hello its me the girl with the jumping haflinger.
you can try using a crop. or