How to Gallop a Horse

Equestrians must master turning and stopping before moving on to galloping with their horse. If you are a beginner, start off with walking, then trotting and then slow canter before moving onto the faster gallop gait. The following will show you how to gallop a horse.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find an area with smooth level ground to practice galloping on your horse. This will help you maintain your balance more easily, which is important while you are learning.

2. Reach your hands out forward toward the horse's head to make sure that there is plenty of slack in the reins. Keep a bit of pressure on the horse's mouth with the reins to let him know you are still in control and to allow you to steer him where you want him to go.

3. Make a clicking noise with your mouth or kissing noise depending upon how the horse was trained.

4. Kick the horse lightly with both feet, bringing her into a trot.

5. Lean your body forward and put your weight on your feet into the stirrups to maintain balance. Keep your elbows in, while holding onto the reins.

6. Continue kicking lightly until the horse goes into and maintains a gallop.

Tips & Warnings

• To learn balance while galloping first practice while the horse is walking or trotting. Stand up in the stirrups during the trot to help learn balance.
• Don't arch your back. Keep it straight by using your stomach muscles to push the lower back out while leaning forward. This will help you keep your balance and save your back from strain.
• Make sure you practice the gallop on level ground with no big stones or holes that can cause injury to your horse.

Who Can Help:

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!