Riding a horse on the gallops is about so much more than simply going fast. It is easy to feel daunted by the open sandy tracks that riders so commonly associate exclusively with racehorses in training, but the benefits can be bountiful — even if you stick to walk and trot in your first session.
Therefore, whether your aim is to boost your horse’s cardiovascular fitness, improve your cross-country time, or work on forwardness, rhythm and overall confidence, all on a perfect surface, the gallops are most definitely the place to be doing all of that.
Video: riding on the gallops
In the video below, we show you how to have a really good, enjoyable session on the gallops with your horse so that you both head home feeling confident and happy:
The gallops aren’t just about riding at speed. There’s just as much, if not more, benefit to working consistently in a slower pace for an hour compared to galloping here and there for what totals only a few minutes out of a much shorter session, especially if we want to take a leaf out of the endurance riders’ books.
Confidence tips
Start slowly
Build confidence gradually. It doesn’t matter what the starting pace is, and it can even be walk for the first session. As you get used to the surroundings and the footing, you can gradually up the pace to trot, canter and gallop.
Practise transitions
Work on smooth transitions between halt, walk, trot and canter to help you establish control and make sure that your horse is listening throughout.
Relax and breathe
Don’t forget to breathe. Try to keep your breathing consistent and controlled. You might find it helps if you try singing or humming.
Bring someone for support
Going to the gallops with a friend who will be a calming influence can be a great confidence booster. I suggest ensuring that your horses work well together on a hack first, though, and that they don’t rile each other.
Taking to the gallops with an earpiece will help to communicate with a second rider even when they’re kilometres away. Devices like HelmetConnect are a great solution.
Take breaks
Pause and walk if you feel overwhelmed. Rest can help to calm both horse and rider before attempting to go again.
Perks of the gallops
A purpose-made gallop track is a great place for novices and nervous riders to improve their confidence. A lot of the time the track itself will be fenced, so it makes a great halfway house between an arena and an open field.
Additionally, the surface is consistent all the way around, so there is no need to worry about boggy patches or rabbit holes, and there are no limitations on space as there will be when out hacking. We all know the feeling when we’re finally getting into our stride and it’s time to pull up again!
This makes a gallops the ideal place to work on any braking issues, positional corrections, or keep young horses in straight lines to help them figure out their feet.
If you decide to go remember to enjoy yourself — having fun is important!
Main image & video by Emerald Motion Media © Your Horse magazine/Cavago
