Loping

When working with a new horse you should test your horse’s lope to determine what you may need to work on in the future.

Many amateur and youth riders struggle with slowing from a lope to a jog or walk, especially in the show pen when their nerves can get the best of them. A rushed transition always looks sloppy and costs you points on your scorecard. I’m going to share with you a simple method for acing your downward lope transitions every time. You can practice at home to master it, then put it to use in the show pen. Soon it’ll become second nature.

Choose the right tack for ranch riding. Ace your lope departures.

Learn to ride with impulsion and confidence as you encourage your horse to drive from behind at the lope.

Don’t let an increase or decrease in speed at the lope put you in the penalty box. Learn how to prepare your horse for speed transitions at home so you can show mastery of them when it counts.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, ride trails or rails, effective speed transitions are an essential part of your horsemanship. Controlled, smooth changes of gait make for a more enjoyable ride for you and your horse—less bouncing around, fumbled cues, and confusion for your horse. And they net you a better score if you compete. Here I’ll explain how one of my young riders works on her transitions to eventually make them effortless and almost invisible.