Rushing around
Q
I'm teaching my gelding medium paces, ready to move up a level, but he just runs when we are aiming for medium trot. How do I teach him this properly?
Kate says... To achieve a good medium trot it’s vital that the hindleg steps under, and that the quarters are strong enough to carry the horse forwards, so the horse’s natural way of going needs to be considered when planning the best way to teach medium paces. Some horses find it a lot easier than others — with some, it’s just a case of riding transitions within the pace and gradually building up the amount of medium trot that you ask for, as they build their strength to maintain this pace. But whether your horse finds medium trot easy or not, it is essential to first teach engagement of the hindquarters.
Develop the quarters
Focus on your horse’s lateral work, especially shoulder-in, so you can use this to engage the hindquarters. Try coming out of the corner of the school riding a few strides of shoulder-in, then come out of the shoulder-in down the rest of the long side, maintaining the trot rhythm while asking for a few strides of medium trot.
Practise on hacks
Some horses can develop their medium trot by being ridden up a shallow incline while out hacking. First make sure the ground surface is safe, and then ask for the medium trot as you ride up the slope. Often, if you can get another horse who is established in medium trot to ride alongside you as you do this, it can help both you and your horse.
Stay in rising trot initially — your horse needs to develop his strength before you introduce medium trot with you sitting to it.