Practice the gallop
Early May in Central Idaho and we have had a long winter. Snow is melting slower than normal, and good riding days have been hard to come by. I have worked a little bit wtih a few horses on basics. I took my top mare on a trail ride and she did pretty good; we were galloping home- then full run - then slow to lope- then stop. I remember at a reining clinic they suggested we practice the gallop on trails. Just get out and run your horse- I have not done that much because mostly I walk on trails. It was fun- gave the dogs a workout too. Happy trails to you. -
I get a little worried running on trails too. Lots of trees to knock your noggin on if you fall! I went on a trail ride yesterday and Leo was just a brat! All chargey and wanting to run over the horses in front of him. I finally had to get down cause he was making me so nervous on the tight trail. But then I got him up to the wide road that runs straight up the mountain. I was grumbling, “oooh you wanna run huh…we’re gonna run..” As soon as I got him to the road, I hopped up, let loose the reins and told him to get going. He RAAAAAAN up that mountain so fast that wind tears were streaking across my face! So fun! I do think it’s good to let them just go once in awhile. The uphill climb is also a really good workout. Normally, I’ll ride him at a quick trot up the switchback trails. GREAT workout. He’s in super good shape from it. Now I need to get on a treadmill or something…
11 May 2008 at 2:50 am