Galop 7On foot
Contents
- 01WelcomeOverview
- 02Limb conformationKnowledge
- 03Identification, the passportKnowledge
- 04Travelling horsesKnowledge
- 05RationingKnowledge
- 06Feed labelsKnowledge
- 07Lunging training aidsOn foot
- 08Long-reining, flexionOn foot
- 09Polo bandagesCaring for the horse
- 10The double bridleCaring for the horse
- 11Shoulder-inKnowledge
- 12StraightnessKnowledge
- 13FlatworkIn the saddle
- 14Dressage optionIn the saddle
- 15Show-jumping optionIn the saddle
- 16Cross-country optionIn the saddle
- 17RevisionRevision
Long-reining and basic acceptance of the bit
At Galop 6 you long-reined your horse on the circle. At Galop 7 you also drive it on straight lines, from the side or from behind, and you can ask it to accept the bit from the ground.
In the exam programme
- Use long reins at walk and trot, on the circle and on straight lines, from the side or from behind, and change the rein.Common module A
- Walk and trot in hand with the horse in a basic acceptance of the bit.Common module A
The equipment is the same: a roller with several rings over a numnah, a snaffle bridle, two long reins, a lunge whip or a long schooling whip, gloves, boots on the legs. The reins run through rings on the roller chosen so that they fall neither round the legs nor across the horse’s back.
Beside, on a circle
The driver level with the hip, a little to the inside; the outside rein runs round the quarters, above the hocks.
Behind, on a straight line
The driver in line with the horse, clear of the hind legs, one rein on each side.
Position 1
From the side
The handler stands level with the hip, slightly to the inside, as when lunging but closer. The outside rein runs over the back or round the hindquarters, above the hocks. This is the position for the circle: it lets you control the bend and the quarters.
Position 2
From behind
The handler walks behind the horse, in line with it, out of range of the hind legs, one rein on each side. This is the position for straight lines and changes of direction — the one used for a future driving horse.
How it goes
- Start from the side, at walkOn the circle, on both reins, the reins adjusted to a light contact; voice and whip keep the horse active, as on the lunge.
- Move up to trotThe horse trots on the big circle while you walk on a smaller one. Keep your hands soft on the reins, and never pull.
- Move behindAt walk, slip gradually further back, keeping the reins adjusted: the horse must stay straight and keep walking.
- Drive on a straight lineFollow the horse in line with it, hands low and the tension even. To turn, the inside rein shows the way, the outside rein goes with it and sets the limit.
- Change the reinAcross a diagonal or with a change of rein through the circle: straighten the horse, then swap the roles of the reins. From the side, cross to the other side by going round behind, always at a distance.
- Trot on a straight lineOnly a few strides, for as long as you can follow without jerking: the rein must never bounce in the horse’s mouth.
Safety
Never wrap the reins round your hand, wear gloves, and first get the horse used, at the halt, to the feel of the reins against its flanks and thighs.
Basic acceptance of the bit
Acceptance of the bit — the French mise en main — is the relaxation of the jaw: the horse gives to the bit, mouths it, flexes at the poll, the front of its face coming closer to the vertical while the poll stays the highest point. Do not confuse it with on the bit from Galop 6, which also asks the horse to take up its reins thanks to the impulsion of its hind legs.
- Take your placeOn the horse’s left, level with its head, the reins left on the neck. Your right hand holds both reins close to the bit, a finger between them; your left hand holds the end of the reins and the whip.
- AskAt the halt, gently close your fingers, in small vibrations, without pulling back. As soon as the horse gives — it mouths the bit, relaxes its jaw, flexes at the poll — give in return.
- Walk onMove off at walk keeping that light contact; the whip can touch behind the girth to keep the horse active.
- TrotOn a straight line, a few strides of trot without the horse stiffening or rushing; come back to walk and reward.
Common mistake
Pulling on the reins to “set” the head does the opposite: the horse tenses, opens its mouth or curls up. Acceptance of the bit is asked for, then given back.
A word from the instructor
On long reins the horse trots while you walk very briskly behind it: one of the few disciplines in which the rider sweats more than the horse. Think of it as your own fitness test.