Galop 3On foot
Contents
- 01WelcomeOverview
- 02Life in natureKnowledge
- 03Bedding and waterCaring for the horse
- 04The points of the horseKnowledge
- 05The hoof and shoeingKnowledge
- 06A full groomingCaring for the horse
- 07Tack and bridleCaring for the horse
- 08The walk and the trotKnowledge
- 09The diagonal at trotIn the saddle
- 10Markings and whorlsKnowledge
- 11Coat colour variantsKnowledge
- 12BreedsKnowledge
- 13The aids to turnKnowledge
- 14The canter strike-offIn the saddle
- 15Position and balanceIn the saddle
- 16Controlling the gaitIn the saddle
- 17Curves and half-voltesIn the saddle
- 18Approach and jumpIn the saddle
- 19GroundworkOn foot
- 20The disciplinesKnowledge
- 21Revision and examRevision
On foot: tight curves, backing up straight, shoulders and quarters
On foot too, Galop 3 asks for precision: linking tight curves on both sides, backing the horse up straight, moving its shoulders or its quarters over several steps.
In the exam programme
- Lead your horse or pony in hand through a sequence of tight curves at the walk, on both reins.Common module A
- Back up with it, straight, for a few strides.Common module A
- Move its shoulders or its quarters over several steps.Common module A
At Galop 2 you backed your horse up two steps and moved its shoulders or its quarters one step. The principle does not change: a clear request, an answer, and you yield at once. Work in a headcollar and lead rope, or in a bridle with the reins taken over the head, preferably wearing gloves.
Tight turns, one after another
Round cones, one way then the other.
Turning the shoulders
The forelegs cross round the hind legs.
Turning the quarters
The hind legs cross round the forelegs.
Backing up straight
Between two ground poles, the handler beside the head.
Linking tight curves
- Stand between the horse’s head and its shoulder, on one side and then the other: the exercise is done on both sides.
- Look at the curve before you start it and keep the same walk from start to finish.
- To turn towards you, open the hand holding the rope towards the inside of the curve to draw the head and the foreleg round; you walk on a smaller circle than the horse, without slowing down.
- To turn the other way, push the head and the shoulders away by raising your hand towards the far ear; you are then on the outside, walking a little faster than the horse.
- Keep your place: the horse must not overtake you, lag behind or barge into you on the curve.
Backing up straight
- Set upWith the horse halted and straight, stand beside its head, facing the tail.
- AskSay “back” and apply light, repeated pressure on the rope towards its chest. If you need to, press on the chest with your fingertips.
- YieldRelease as soon as it takes a step back, then ask again: step by step, for a few strides, going back with it.
- Keep it straightKeep the head in line with the body: a head pulled to one side swings the quarters out. At first, back up along a fence or between two poles on the ground.
- FinishHalt, walk one step forward, then praise.
Moving the shoulders or the quarters
The shoulders
Turn the shoulders
With the horse halted, stand at its head. Push the head and the shoulder away from you with small presses of the hand. The forelegs step round, crossing over, around the hind legs, which almost mark time on the spot. Link several steps, yielding after each one.
The quarters
Turn the quarters
Turn to face the quarters, keep the head turned slightly towards you and press lightly, again and again, where the rider’s leg would act, behind the girth. The hind legs step round, crossing over, around the forelegs. Several steps, one at a time.
Safety
To turn the quarters, stay level with the flank, never behind the horse: the hindquarters move away from you, but a hind leg can still lash out. And keep the rope folded in your hand, never wrapped round it.
Common mistake
Pushing steadily, harder and harder: the horse leans into you instead of moving. Short, repeated presses, and a release at the very first step, work far better.