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Help Improving Horses' Trot!

3K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  MyBoyPuck 
#1 ·
I am looking to improve some of the horses' trot I am training. What is one of the best ways to do this? Trotting poles? Hiles? What length should the poles be and how often should I do them? I also need tips for a pony. :D (He's a medium). Thank you! I am also open to tips for creating a more balanced canter.
I am a hunter/jumper rider.
 
#3 ·
Trotting poles are a good one, also cavelletti. Improving the trot is a slow process, achieved by improving the allround fitness and suppleness of the horse. Lunging will help, about three times a week, 7 minutes on each rein with a pessoa/bungie/elasticated side reins (make sure these are not too tight, you want to ask the horse to come round, not tell him!) and a roller. Keep him going forwards, make sure he steps under. Work in walk, trot and canter. I prefer not to lunge in a saddle, and use a roller instead, as this way you can see if they are lifting through the shoulders, and also it means that if the saddle's not a proper fit it doesn't hinder their muscle development. Another thing you should really do is hillwork, walking downhill and doing a nice, controlled trot uphill. I do 20 mins roadwork and hill work every morning with mine, and his trot has come on a lot!
 
#4 ·
Sorry to ask, but... What do you mean by "improving"? Like going more round? Stop dragging feet?
 
#5 ·
I second Levade's advice, particularly the hills. Even if all you have are gentle rolling slopes, trotting around on terrain like that will quickly build up necessary butt and back muscles needed for your horse to carry himself correctly.

As for canter, you improve the canter through the trot. Once the trot's better, the canter will follow. Lots of transitions between the two gaits will help both.
 
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