[Solly Jumper]

In my 5 years of horesback riding, I still can't believe I haven't galloped yet. My dad is taking me on a trail soon and he says that he'll let me, but I want to know what to expect.

[Megs]

you'll have a blast, its great. just cantering very fast, lol, feels like your flying kinda (guess it depends on your horses gait, both mine have awsome smooth gallops)

[devilishjumper]

You won't know that your galloping at first. I can rarely tell. Like you can't feal the difference it is just much faster. If english you want to be in the 2 point or halfseat and get off your horses back. Start off slow and just let them go then if you are comfortable you can ask for more. It is soooo fun and you can really get moving! Good Luck and have fun!!!

[Solly Jumper]

Sounds great.
I'm just a bit worried about the horse I ride, what if he gets excited and bucks or something?
My dad used to work at a horse camp and he'd gallop bareback, no bridle. So, I'm assuming it's smooth. Then again.. he used to flip over 5 ft. barrels and jump them for fun with no experience. Hahah.

[KZWestern]

I understand how you would be concerned about your horse getting over-excited. My suggestion to you would be to teach your horse the one rein stop if you are concerned. This gives you a quick way to get your horse instently under control while preventing bucking.

[devilishjumper]

Well just work them into it slowly and before you let them go pull them up to a slower canter to make sure you have breaks. Some horses may buck in the gallop but this is less likely to happen if you go into it slowly. Ask for the canter canter fo a while then ask for a little fast and then if the horse feals as if they are going to act out bring them back and you can try again. Just keep working up with how comfortable you are then grab a hunk of mane and go.

Try not to worry or think about it too much it will all come very naturally

[Solly Jumper]

Okay, thanks guys!

[Kahluasmom]

You are going to have SOOOOOOOOOO much fun when you do gallop. I gallop on the beach here often and it's an absolute blast. Just do like someone said earlier and get in two point off of your horses back. It's not like a fast canter, it's MUCH smoother and plenty faster. If you start enjoying it and want to see what you can really get out of your horse, start moving your hands with his neck (like jockeys do) and kiss at him, he'll feel like he's suddenly got wings and an extra spurt of energy.

All in all, it's going to be super, BUT, still be careful, falling off at a gallop is very different to falling off at a trot or canter.

[HappyJoy]

yep, just listen to what people have said . just take it slowly and make sure you and the horse are warmed and relaxed and ready. make sure to be in a nice clear place if you are riding on a trail, otherwise you get the joy of being smacked in the head by a branch lol. i have a very calm horse, and he does fine when i gallop him properly. the only time he bucks is when i let him gallop without enough warm up or instruction. basically when i just randomly feel like running, that's when he'll pull out a buck but i completely deserve it when it happens. with 5 years of experience riding you should be fine, it's not a big deal at all, just going a bit faster . hope you have fun, it's a blast!

[riding_reaper]

Its more forward and back rather than ina scooping motion like the canter. Its really fun though. If you ride english OR western you need to keep your butt pretty clear of the saddle but mostly english. Good luck!