Loping on Horseback : Western?

Question

Hi, I love riding horses, but i can only ride when i take lessons, trail rides, ect. how do i get used to loping with my limited riding times? im kinda scared of it! :(

i may also add, that i love to jog, the bouncing is fun! but, i like the lope cuz its smooth, but its just the speed that gets the best of me, you no. i would love to do it well, its just that i "freeze" up, and i wanna stop right away, but at the same time, i love it! i think its mostly when the horse "lurches" or throws itself into it, you know. it kinda throws me off.

Answer 1

where ever u are takin lessons, the trainer should work with u and help u build up ur confidence so u can lope when ever u have ur time to ride... that is something u need to discuss with ur trainer so he or she can help u get over ur fear and help u gain confidence if u really enjoy ridding and want to become a better rider

Answer 2

Cantering, or loping, is something that is fun as you mentioned, but until you have a reliable seat, can be scary. Since you ride western, you are already in one of the most supportive saddles you can ride in to make sure you stay stable and comfortable. If you get nervous, one easy thing to do is to take one hand and put it on the Cheyenne roll, or cantle of the saddle (the swell behind your butt). When you are on a trail, you want to determine which lead your horse is on (which front leg ends up hitting the ground last) and put your opposite arm to the back (to get you balanced with the horse). If you are in an arena, which would be best to start, until you are comfortable, use your hand closest to the wall. This position allows you to move well with the horse, but gives you a "hand hold" that can help you if you get scared or nervous. When starting horses, it's an invaluable skill to have (it can help you ride out bucks and lurches as well). I wish you the best of luck... There is nothing like the wind in your hair while cantering or loping down a trail, or in an arena :)

Answer 3

skachicah35 is right. The only thing I would add is to do it in short bursts until you can get used to it. Do it in the arena, lope for the length of the arena, then either walk or trot for a while. Gradually build up how long you are loping, much like getting a horse fit, you do it in baby steps. Learning to ride is a lot like training a horse. You do it gradually, building up what you learn over time. As you learn, your confidence grows. On this exercise, we're going to build your confidence up. You will gradually build up your confidence and your seat by the transition. If you get to feeling uncomfortable at the lope, slow down. When you feel comfortable again, lope again. Use what skachicah35 suggested, grab the cantle, it never hurt anyone to do that. Good luck.

Answer 4

Hey just relax it will all come to you eventually just sit back and let the horse do the work if you relax and mold yourself to the horse you can usually barely tell the difference in the change. I hope you enjoy riding and once you get to a full blown run you get an adreniline rush better than any high (I'm assuming) it is so much fun riding a horse but hey just walking isn't the best not even a trot but now a lope thats fun hope you enjoy your riding.

Answer 5

Trust the horse. Take a couple of minutes to bond with the horse before your ride. I always stood face to face (or chest since they were always taller) and talked softly and gently rubbed their noses. Loping is a light canter that gives the rider a free feeling. Move with the horse and let him do all the work. Once you relax you will feel like you are part of the horse and are flying. Enjoy your time together!

Answer 6

If you are afraid to ride by yourself, your horse will sense it. You don't want to give the horse control. If you have someone else that rides a horse, ask if they would go with you. The more and more you ride your horse, the less and less scarier it is. Don't be in to big of a hurry. Each person is different and each person learns at their own rate.

Answer 7

Loping is a short-strided canter the position the horses very almost drag their ft. it really is comfortable, yet somewhat lurching b/c of the stride length. it really is a western gait. The rider can sit decrease back and loosen up in this gait, as interior the English canter the rider is alert and out of the saddle. the horse can give up/bypass straightforward from this gait. I actually have ridden both for 5 YEARS! both are relaxing and relies upon on the horse,

Answer 8

I have fell in love with every horse I have ever met. The big thing with horses is respect and relationship. You care for them and they will care for you... They will get away with what they can but you must respect that personality while still being assertive. See if you can keep going back to the same place and starting a relationship with one horse.

Answer 9

i used to be terrified of loping...especially on my 25 yr old mare that has a tendancy to buck...when i first got bucked off i couldnt ride for a couple months...no broken bones just sprains...so when i started taking lessons again my instructor put my horse on a lunge line and i took it really slow....the lunge line gave me a sence of security knowing that if the horse bolted or started bucking, my instuctor could just pull on the line and slow her down. if you take lessons in an arena ask your instuctor if they could lunge you and your horse, i guaruntee you will feel safer as long as your not in a rush...best of luck...

Answer 10

just relax... learning to keep you seat at the lope or canter takes time and practice. I got better when I was started riding bareback. walking and jogging build your leg muscles that you need for cantering. you can also drop your stirrups when jogging and it will build your legs up. Your trainer should give you excercises to build them up.