[Roxi&Bingo]

I agree with everyone's comments about a lope is super collection and I have heard a few things about making your horse lope. Most of these are not from certified trainers and aren't always the best way, but just some input.

Rollbacks-They make your horse learn to slow down, or more work is involved, but they put horrible physical strain on your horse if you don't do them right.

Stoping and Backing up-Alot of times this helps practice backing up, and working the hind end, but is also a horrible thing to do if you have heavy hands like I used too. It totally made Roxi evade the bit.

Switching directions - Everytime your horse speeds up, you turn their nose into the wall, and make them switch and canter off. I read an article from a good trainer about this, but it can make a horses nose turn to the outside permantley which is very hard to fix.


I'm glad to hear that you want to take your time on your boy, and aren't just looking for the quickest fix. I wouldn't reccommend these tactics as most carry some form of negative feedback. My advice, take your time with him, and work on collection and working off your legs. The lope will come.

[AllAroundRdr]

I don't feel it's fair or right to punish a horse with harder work when the only reason the horse isn't doing what's being asked is because a) they don't understand what you're asking (i.e. rider error) or b) they can't physically do it.

Now, if your horse is physically able and knows how to go slow and low, flat kneed and deep hocked down the rail but just doesn't want to, then yes I certainly believe he should work far harder than what was originally wanted so what you're asking for is 'easy work'.

[shorelineph]

He is just young and doesnt understand that he is to slow and stay collected yet. he just turned 3 and he has nice flat legs and deep in the hock...he jog is just beautiful. I have had several people tell me what a gourgeous step he has..just young and doesnt understand yet..

he work 95% soley off my legs and seat, i rarely have to use my hands for anything. he neck reins lead changes (off leg), backs and stops all without the use of my hands....

I just am unsure as to how to get the SLOW..not four beat lope....and I thank everyone for your advise..I like to keep an open mind in the training of him and to be able to find what he will be able to understand from me...even If i have to use two-three different ideas...I figure it is going to take about 1-2 years to develop what i want...time and consistance is what he needs and is getting everyday!

[AllAroundRdr]

4-beating is the WORST thing in the world. I hated that "trend" ICK!

Anyway...
4-beating should not come naturally to him at the lope, if it does, he's forehand heavy and being asked to go far too slow than his body can handle. If he 4-beats drive him 'up and out' get that front end up and DRIVE with the hind. Sure it may not be as SLOW as you want, but 4-beating is NOT proper and is illegal by all WP rule books


I think your main problem with collection and slowing at the lope is he just isn't strong enough yet to do it and hold himself there properly. I highly recommend building those muscles correctly before concentrating on the collection. If you bypass the strengthening of needed muscles for balance and collection you'll end up with a world of movement faults -- it's just not worth it


ETA -- do you have poles you can trot/lope?

[Lopinslow]

slow and correct comes from impulsion. if you were to pull on his face or hold him slow without adding leg to drive him up, you are going to loose that impulsion (how people create 4-beaters)

so, to encourage slow, you need to drive him up with your legs, yet trap the forward/faster speed with your hands. you want to slow their legs down by creating hang time. it's easier to show you, but let me try to explain.

as you are loping, you are going to add a lot of outside leg to create a lot of drive. with your inside hand, keep light contact with the bit to steady them and keep the inside shoulder up. With your outside rein, you are going to keep light contact and it down lower (near your knee lets say) and everytime those outside feet are on the ground, you are going to hold that outside rein for a split second.

so, you are pushing and creating a lot of energy so you should get lots of impulsion, a flat knee, and you are encouraging hang time by holding them on the ground a second between each stride.

[Quita-keepen]

Quita who is now 4, is still working on her WP lope...Lol. Its so slow and takes alot of work. I know im no help, but im just trying to say it takes a while... but what you have going sounds really good! Good luck!

[shorelineph]

thanks.....I am so anxious we are planning to head up to a APHA show on sept 6-7. I just pulled my novice cards...so cross your fingers...But thanks I am trying he is such a GREAT BOY and he has a great work ethic and loves to work...So we'll see how it goes..

Originally Posted by Quita-keepen

Quita who is now 4, is still working on her WP lope...Lol. Its so slow and takes alot of work. I know im no help, but im just trying to say it takes a while... but what you have going sounds really good! Good luck!