Back in the days of horse-dependent travel, the most commonly used gait was the trot. Sure, the stagecoach might rumble into town at a gallop to make an impression, and Pony Express riders rode at a good clip. But generally, if there was a lot of ground to cover, it was done at a trot.
This two-beat diagonal gait is actually a horse's most efficient gait; the average horse trots at about 8 to 10 miles per hour. And a well-conditioned horse can sustain a trot for 8 to 10 miles before tiring. A fast, or lengthening, trot covers a lot of territory. When ridden correctly, it can be comfortable for both horse and rider.
The fast trot can also help you learn to control your horse, and maintain your balance and position, at the lope/canter. This gait challenges your balancing skills and timing of aids, and demands that you look farther ahead than you would at a walk or jog.
With these exercises, you'll learn how to comfortably ride the fast trot while staying in control of your horse. Before you begin, you should be completely comfortable and in control at a walk and slow trot, and able to ride a slow trot both in sitting and posting positions.
Step #1: Warm up Your Horse
Even if you only plan to go for a relaxing, laid-back ride, warm up your horse before hitting the trail. A thorough warm-up period promotes safety and gives you better control of your horse. First, longe him, then continue the warm up under saddle.
"When you exercise your horse before riding, you can assess his soundness, mood, and see how he is accepting his surroundings," explains Palm. "This time also encourages him to play and get out that healthy energy before you ride.
"The only way you can really have fun with your horse is if you have control," Palm adds. "And a good warm-up helps give you both safety and control."
To prepare for longeing, tack up your horse, then slip a nylon halter on over the bridle, and snap on the longe line to the side ring. (For greater control, you can run the longe line over the nose or under the chin, and then attach it to the side ring on the opposite side.) Don't attach the longe line to the bit in any way, so you don't apply unintentional pressure on your horse's mouth.
Take along a longe whip; you'll use it to encourage your horse to move forward. When you're all set, lead him to an enclosed area with good footing.
There's no set amount of warm-up time; read your horse, and adjust as needed. Palm likes to see a horse's nostrils flare and the veins begin to rise on his neck to show he's working. Ten minutes is probably the bare minimum.
Your horse should move out at a good forward pace, not amble lazily along at the end of the line. Work him in both directions at the walk, trot, and lope/canter.
After longing your horse, warm yourself up. Stretch your neck, shoulders, upper body, and back. Then check your cinch/girth, and mount up. Ride at least 10 to 15 minutes in the warm-up area. Work your horse in both directions at a walk, trot, and lope/canter.
