How do I slow down my horses lope? And tips on sitting the lope better?

Hello! I started leasing a new horse back in November. My first time loping this horse was about 2 months ago. This horse Is really tall QH and has a super fast lope because she used to be a reining/cow horse. So the first time I loped her I was almost falling out of the saddle. What are your tips for staying in the saddle and having a good seat? Also how do you teach your horse to have that nice smooth lope that is good in a western pleasure horse?

Thanks bunches!

Your horse will naturally need to be able to lope slowly and properly collected. Without that natural ability, you will struggle and most likely end up with a mechanical, ugly mover.

Sit back, roll your shoulders back. Let your thigh relax, and your lower leg in touch with your horse's sides. Keep your chin up.

If you are able, talk to the owner about the horse's skills. Why have you only been loping it for two months? And as always, my suggestion would be to ride the horse in lessons specific to your goals.

Thanks for the advice. This horse used to be a cow horse so she has been taught to be quick and fast. I am sure that she can be taught to have a nice easy lope without it looking akward. I just started on this horse about 5 months ago. And 2 months ago is when my trainer said that I was ready to start loping. (why does it even matter if I just started loping 2 months ago?)

Well, it matters because it helps determine the issue with the lope.

If the horse is coming back from an injury, then he may not have the strength to be able to lope slowly and collected.

If he's green, then I would say he just doesn't know yet.

If it's because you are a novice rider, that would obviously affect the advice you are given as well.

It sounds like you are a novice rider? In which case I would say you should address your concerns to your trainer and let him/her work with you rather than seeking advice on the internet.

If the horse is a working cow horse, he probably doesn't have the quality of movement to be a good pleasure horse to begin with. You can try to fit a square peg in a round hole, but rarely does it work.

Good luck.

^ what she said about the square peg round whole. If your horse is bred and trained cowhorse, it will be difficult to make the transition to WP. Not all horses are cut out for it.