Galop 2On foot
Contents
- 01WelcomeOverview
- 02The five sensesKnowledge
- 03Life in the herdKnowledge
- 04The mouth and mealsKnowledge
- 05Feed, water, mealsCaring for the horse
- 06Housing, catching, turning outKnowledge
- 07More coats and patchesKnowledge
- 08The legsKnowledge
- 09Three breedsKnowledge
- 10GroomingCaring for the horse
- 11Quick-release knot and bridleCaring for the horse
- 12Saddling, saddle careCaring for the horse
- 13Work on footOn foot
- 14Mounting, girth, reinsIn the saddle
- 15Going forward, changing gaitIn the saddle
- 16Sitting or light seatIn the saddle
- 17Figures and arena rulesKnowledge
- 18The first fenceIn the saddle
- 19Equestrian activitiesKnowledge
- 20RevisionRevision
Work on foot
On foot, Galop 2 asks for precision: following an exact track, trotting in hand, backing up, and moving the head, shoulders and quarters. You will use these skills every day, in the stable and at the mounting block alike.
In the exam programme
- Back your horse or pony up at least two steps.Common module A
- Lead it in hand on an exact track mixing straight lines and curves on both reins.Common module A
- Lead it in hand at the trot for a few strides.Common module A
- Move its shoulders or its quarters at least one step, from the halt.Common module A
- Move the horse’s or pony’s head right and left, up and down.Common module A
All work on foot rests on one rule: ask lightly, insist if you must, and release as soon as the horse answers, then give it a pat. The release is what tells it that it got it right. Work in a headcollar and lead rope, or in the bridle with the reins taken over the head, wearing gloves. Your basic position is still the one from Galop 1: on the left, between the head and the shoulder.
Leading on an exact track
- Look ahead, to the next marker — a cone, a letter, a corner — not at the horse.
- On a straight line, aim at a point and walk at a steady pace, level with the shoulder.
- On a curve to the right, you are on the outside: lengthen your stride a little and guide the head to the right.
- On a curve to the left, you are on the inside: shorten your stride, turn your shoulders and keep your right hand between you and its shoulder so it does not barge into you.
Trotting in hand for a few strides
- PrepareOn a straight line, walk out briskly, the lead rope slack, the spare end folded in your left hand.
- AskWith your voice, jogging off yourself, your right hand slightly forward.
- Go with itRun level with the shoulder, without pulling and without getting ahead, for a few strides.
- Come back to walkSlow down yourself, ask with your voice and a light backward feel on the lead rope; release as soon as it walks.
Backing up at least two steps
Stand in front of the left shoulder, facing the horse’s tail, your right hand on the lead rope near the chin. Press backwards, towards the chest, and say “back”. If it does not move, add small pushes with your other hand on the point of the shoulder. Release at every step you get, then ask again: two steps at least, and a pat.
Moving the shoulders or the quarters
Moving the forehand
Standing level with the middle of the neck, push the shoulder: the forelegs step across to the right.
Moving the quarters
Standing at the flank, push the quarters: the hind legs step across to the right.
From the halt
The shoulders
Stand on the left, halfway along the neck. Bring the head slightly towards you, ask with your voice and push the left shoulder with your free hand; stop the horse walking forward with the hand holding the lead rope. As soon as it moves its shoulders one step to the right, ease off and give it a pat.
From the halt
The quarters
Stand on the left, level with the flank. Bring the head slightly towards you and push the quarters a little behind and below the point of the hip. As soon as it moves its quarters one step to the right, stop pushing altogether and give it a pat.
Moving the head
- Down: hold the lead rope about thirty centimetres from the head and apply light downward pressure; if needed, rest your other hand on the poll. Release as soon as the head comes down.
- Up: slide your hand under the head and lift gently; release as soon as it rises a little.
- Right and left: your left hand on the front of the face pushes the head to the right or brings it back to the left; release as soon as the horse follows.
Tip
Make several small requests in a row rather than one long push. And work on both sides: a horse that yields happily to the right may resist to the left.