What Is Loping?
In western riding, the lope is one of the most comfortable paces you can experience in the saddle. Once mastered, it may become your favorite gait while enjoying your horse.
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Significance
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According to the book, "The Horse Illustrated Guide To Western Riding," when a horse lopes on the right rein, the left hind hoof lands and pushes the horse forward; the right hind and left fore hooves land at the same time; and then the leading right fore hoof hits the ground. Before the left hind hoof hits the ground again, there is a brief moment of being suspended in the air.
Features
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Loping is a three-beat gait, and has a much smoother feel than the jog. It is likened to the action of a rocking horse, and is a slower, more controlled pace than the gallop.
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Considerations
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The safest way to learn to lope is in an enclosed arena or a round pen--never out on the trail. It is easier for a horse to transition to a lope from a jog, but once you both have learned this move, you can direct the horse to pick it up from the walk.
Function
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Loping is used in barrel racing, reining, in trials competitions over jumps, in western pleasure and in many other events.
Warning
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Loping must be executed in a very controlled, confident manner. Being well-trained and practiced in loping will make for a much safer ride.
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