Get to know gallop

Even if you’ve ridden your pony at a gallop, it’s likely the pace you spend the least amount of time in. We don’t often get the opportunity to gallop our ponies, but it’s always super fun when we do! What does it feel like? How do you ask for it? When and where is it safe to do? We’ve got all the answers for you – read on to find out.

What is gallop?

Gallop is a four-beat gait, like walk is. But rather than the legs on each side moving in turn, as they do in walk, in gallop the sequence is each hindleg in turn, then each foreleg. Just like canter, gallop has a moment of suspension. Gallop is a pony’s fastest pace and you might see it on a cross-country or racecourse!

Top tip

Even if you don’t usually ride with one, pop a neck strap on your pony when you first have a go at galloping. It’s really handy to help you balance without pulling on his mouth.

How do I ask for gallop?

As we know, gallop is faster and longer-striding than canter, so we have to ask for it from canter. It’s best to ask for it in an open space, so make sure you can control your pony in a big field before you have a go at galloping! It’s also helpful to shorten your stirrups to jumping length so it’s easier to get into and maintain a two-point position.

Pick up canter around the field and, when you’re on a straight line, push your pony forward and lift yourself out of the saddle slightly in a two-point position.

Coming up off your pony’s back will allow him to use his whole body to stretch out and lengthen his stride. He’ll lower his head slightly and stretch out his neck, too. Keep your hands soft and maintain a contact but try not to pull because this will discourage your pony from opening up.

You might not know straight away if you’re galloping, so ask a friend to watch or film to help you. If it becomes really uncomfortable to sit in the saddle, then you’re likely to be galloping. Woo hoo!

Top tip

Try your first gallop going uphill if you can – that way it’ll be much easier to stop at the end!

Where can I gallop?

You can gallop your pony pretty much anywhere you’d canter, but avoid small spaces such as arenas or little paddocks because sharp turns are very tricky in gallop!

Look for large fields or long sections of bridleway that you know very well. Avoid galloping on narrow paths where you can’t see what’s coming and don’t gallop on hard ground because it can damage your pony’s joints – even fields that are perfect to gallop on in the spring can become very firm in the summer or too soft in winter, so inspect the ground carefully before you do any fast work.

Is my pony fit enough?

Building up your pony’s fitness is super important before you go racing around your fields. An unfit pony is at risk of injury, tying up, or even colic if you push him too hard. If you do plenty of long canters in your riding sessions then your pony is probably fit enough to have a go at galloping, but if you mainly walk and trot then consider upping the amount of canter you do first to prepare him for faster rides.

Top tip

If you want to improve your pony’s fitness, interval training and hill work can be great ways to do it. Take a look at our tips here.

Top tip

Cooling down your pony properly after a ride is really important to help him recover and prevent issues like tying up. Spend 10 minutes walking on a long rein, making sure his breath is back to normal before you finish your ride.

Why should I gallop my pony?

Besides it being super duper fun, doing fast work has plenty of benefits:

• boosting your pony’s enthusiasm for ridden work
• improving his fitness and endurance
• practising for the cross-country phase of eventing or hunter trials
• building your confidence in and control of your pony
• helping your pony’s co-ordination