I’m pretty sure we all agree that galloping is the fastest pace that a horse can accomplish. For the rider, this means it is also the most dangerous movement that must be controlled by him. Knowing how to properly ride a galloping horse signifies being informed of proper safety standards while also being able to keep a proper riding form. For all non-horse people, who have no idea what galloping is, we are firstly explaining in simple words the definition of galloping.
The Meaning of Gallop:
- The horse has four principal steps: the walk, trot, canter, and gallop.
- The gallop is the most high-speed rack, but it has four different beats, just like the walk.
- At one point in the galloping pace, all four hooves are swung in the air.
As you now already know, horseback riding can be a very rewarding and yet a very dangerous sport. You have to keep in mind to never try any new skill, especially galloping without a professional, certified instructor and a trusting, reliable horse. If you are determined to learn how to gallop a horse, then this is the right article for you. When you first learn how to gallop, your job is basically to remain up off the horse’s back and get balanced. It is very important to keep the right balance because as you can imagine, it is very hard to run with someone bouncing around on your back. But don’t worry because as you gain more experience, you will learn how to control the horse’s gait and balance in a confident manner. To help you out we have decided to provide you with 5 things you’ll have to experience while learning how to gallop a horse. This way, you will be more prepared for this long journey. Keep reading to learn more!
1. No matter how experienced you are, thoroughbred trainers will automatically assume you don’t know a thing about galloping.
What does galloping can do for you and how time does it take? This question varies from a rider to another, but I’m pretty sure it will show you how weak you are in the saddle. Even if you consider yourself a good rider who has been taking riding lessons for years, been to several horse shows, ridden many horses trying to gallop a racehorse is a completely different thing. Thoroughbred trainers will laugh in front of you when you try to entertain them by telling them how experienced you are – then continue with their own unbelievable stories of how they even had near-death experiences while galloping but they still have managed to survive and continue risking their lives.
2. Racehorses quickly convert themselves from being loving and kind to be a ticking bomb.
You can adore and enjoy their company all the time while they are standing at the barn, but as soon as you try to ride them and take them out on the track, they get all serious and are all about business. There is a saying who has been going on among riders for a long time that says if you look just for a moment at the ground, that’s where you’ll end up. It’s particularly true for racehorses. You have to be very careful and very aware of what you are doing all the time.
3. Only if you ride racehorses, you are fit enough to ride racehorses.
There are people who may have had a very active life, riding up to 3-4 horses a day, doing flatwork and jumping, but the moment they first try galloping a racehorse it is completely on another level. People who have tried for the first time say that they were so tired and it was difficult for them to walk correctly for the next days.
4. You are going to eat dirt.
It is very common that horses galloping next to you will kick up a lot of dirt. So you may consider closing your mouth and wearing goggles because if you don’t the dirt will soon be not only in your mouth but all over your face. For this reason, you have to wear goggles, although typically riders aren’t very fond of them.
5. It is normal to be afraid
As we have been mentioning throughout the article, galloping can be very dangerous. Therefore, it is very normal to be afraid before you decide to give it a try. Take all the time and training you need before galloping a horse. Remember to go at your own speed and never try galloping if you don’t have a trusted trainer instructor and a horse you are compatible to work with.
