Controlling a Galloping Horse

In horse riding, a gallop can be considered to be an elongated version of a canter. Discover how to use circling to help control a galloping horse with help from a riding instructor in this video on controlling a galloping horse.

[@sianhook2501]

Or... Stay calm, release.pull.release, steady pulling pressure won't have an effect on a hard headed horse. Or pull one rein back to your hip (not to harsh) turn their head and ask for a circle, anything that changes their forward motion will slowly but surly stop them, this has worked for me anyway

[@joyreaperLH]

Perfect advice. I experienced this just the other day and did it just as you stated. I couldn't circle too tight knowing he might fall so I gradually circled. He finally came to a stop. Interesting ride and glad I'm still alive!

[@addyhughes5357]

Lisa Kimbrell Hutchinson I'm not allowed to ride in the big arena (I now ride in the big arena next door because the owner there is not stuck up amd doesnt care if your kicking around the dirt when you canter or gallop) anymore bc the owner said I was "kicking up too much dirt" when I canter and gallop which is total B.S bc I press down the dirt after I ride... I untack and do what ever then after I'm done with everything I lead my horse around and we press it in so I pnly ride in her round pen then I go over to mannys (owner next door) and ride in his big arena

[@addyhughes5357]

Lisa Kimbrell Hutchinson yea so I cant try this (peach my horse often does go crazy in the big arena and I just sit back and ride it out as my instructor says) but at shows I have more contact she listens to the reins better then voice commands and circles actually (might sound retarted) dont help to slow her down

[@olivia-tt5qs]

The horse i was riding was galloping in a closed arena with jumps , i could not get him to stop , I tried to just hang on but i ended up having a bad fall , he was fine but i have bruised ribs and strain back muscles. This has happened on this horse before and i’m considering quitting or moving barns i don’t know what to fo

[@askmaryalice1]

Pulling and leaning forward will send your horse on even faster since that is whet you are 'asking' Sit down, open your chest, drop your strongest hand into a pulley rein ,give and take in large circle. Keep your outside leg in contact to balance his hind quarters. Take a deep breath- you are in control

[@alekezam]

My thoroughbred got out of control on a road because I trusted him too much and he went into a full gallop. I had no idea what to do, and thankfully neither of us got hurt and I was able to throw myself off into the only available small snow pile as he made his way back to the barn

[@poppyandpets7788]

You should never willingly fall off safest to stay on

[@waqasrafiq6044]

Try to turn first in small angle, then gradually in smaller circles until under control.

[@equine.bella_2]

This is literally what happened today just that I landed on some rocks😬

[@snowangle909]

When I first got my Arab gelding, he loved to run so much that when he wanted to canter, there was not much I could do about it. He would take off and keep going however long he wanted to. I quickly found out that just pulling the reins was ineffective. My trainer gave me an awesome tip though... she said instead of pulling with both reins, pull steadily with one rein and kinda 'gnaw' the horse's mouth with the other. I have never lost control of his speed since then. ^_^

[@TheMissBlackOut]

0:43 lady.. i LOVE you for this statement.. finally somebody who checked it... ;) !!!

[@Equestrian2001]

That helped thank you I tried it today and my horse went from a gallop to a trot in 2 seconds

[@flock-5162]

Did you do the circle method?

[@joyreaperLH]

Wow, I'm amazed some criticize her. To be chosen by Equestrian Life to give this professional advice says a lot. Has anyone criticizing ever been chosen by Equestrian Life for a video? I agree with the person who says sit back but she's talking about an out of control horse when normal whoa's don't work.

[@kelsiebeaulieu5227]

LOL you act like "Equestrian Life" is the god among horse people. This WILL NOT WORK on a terrified horse that's in flight mode because the bit will only cause pain and scare the horse more. No bit can stop a horse, but PROPER training and trust will.

[@joyreaperLH]

She covered that in the pulling to a gradual circle. I agree with you she didn't really address the runaway horse that grabs the bit in mouth where the thing to do is simple drop the hands to the withers and let the reigns go loose.

[@joyreaperLH]

Each runaway horse is different. She spoke of two techniques that will work for most horses.

[@Hantarrrrr]

The pulley idea was very interesting! My horse can be a bolter at times, luckily when it's happened before I was able to use the one rein stop and disengage her hindquarters. Thank you for the informative video!

[@RideLikeAnIndianxD]

I have used the circling method before, no problem. I have only had my horse bolt twice ever, and both times however we were on a trail with trees either side so I could not circle. It would have been great to know that second idea then. I will know it if there is ever a next time though. Although, I have since transitioned easily to a bitless bridle, and have had absolutely no problems with stopping now. My horse before was a bit frightening to canter fast/gallop (with a bit), but as soon as we went bitless, he responds 120% better than he would with a bit and we have no issues galloping flat out now, as i know i can get him to stop :)

[@yamixyoukai]

It does work actually, they get really distracted and confused because of the constant pressure changes from the bit, making them slow down. I use the same method with the run-happy horses I ride, works every time.

[@kompuiheartsu]

i remember cantering for the first time oh my god i died of laughter i was so excited to learn it. it was awesome i never felt more awesome that day. best day of my life! ^_^

[@sprinkleofsapphie117]

thank you this will help me and my horse in future if gallop gets out of control !!!

[@faithidkidk8602]

Same to us

[@Ilovemypoy100]

Thankyou so much for this video a horse at my barn java she is 23 but she is a former race horse so she has a lot of spunk and get get a big over with the cantering I have fallen of of her about three times and she was doing a full racing gallop and I was about to do a fourth until I thought of this vid I did the pully rein and she slowed down! Kudos to you!

[@gypsydreamer09]

yep the first time I cantered was when I was 6 at my very first riding lessons! we had a shaded outdoor arena and there were like, 5 people on horses, our trainer then asked us to give the horse a kiss then cluck, and when my horse first broke from trot to canter, I had my breath taken away in excitement! it was so much fun, but i haven't cantered a horse in 3 years, i want to soo bady now lol

[@madisonwillems470]

Today I went on a trail ride with my buddy and my horse (which is a thoroughbred) took off into a full gallop ! My reins broke worst timing lol but luckily he slowed as I seat back and said wow I could only do this due to my bond with him but this video will help when I have reins to work with 😁

[@BitterSweetMisery300]

the first time i cantered bareback my horse (QH) wouldnt break out of a trot, which just kept getting faster and faster, i was bouncing about a foot off his back XD he finally started cantering after he jumped over a pole we had in our arena. Greatest experience of my life

[@MegaJudy7]

Very informative. Plus she even smiled at the end.

[@YouthFreedomFighters]

That happened to me too. When I was taking equestrian we were on a trail, and this tractor spooked the horses and my horse took off on a crazy gallup, all the way back to the stables.

[@netfischer]

My first ever experience of sitting on a horse (and last thus far) resulted in me riding(well that sounds wrong cause the horse was in control, but anyway) a full lap on a racetrack, half of that in full gallop. Thanks to some irresponsible people. I was just supposed to sit on that thing,and for the record I thought it was a bad idea all along. However some other horses near by exploded into gallop all of a sudden and that thing beneath me went full speed ahead as we'll! But everyone knows if you pull these straps the horse stops, right? Wrong apparently. Thank god after like half a lap the hellish haypowered rocket showed Mercy and slowed down. This scarred me for life! I think I head a chalk white face and head swet more than the horse when finally someone stopped us two!

[@12345678912345674813]

Thank u so much for this, a horse I ride at my riding school Cosmo his name is, when he is away from the group he wants to catch up and goes as fast as he can to try and get back to the group. I'll try this strategy and hopefully it works!

[@birdsrneat]

OMG YOUR LOGO OR WHATEVES IS JUST LIKE HARRY POTTER HOUSE LOGO'S OR WHATEVER o_o The red is Gryfindor, the yellow is hufflepuff, the green is slytherin, and blue is ravenclaw. O_O

[@kompuiheartsu]

@ZiraBreyerfan4life soo happy for you. i ride western. but when i first started riding i rode english. and here's a tip for cantering when your horse is cantering kind of lean back just a little bit and just stay with the flow. you'll go back and forth in the saddle so that's normal! and i'ma check out your videos! :D

[@angela122345678]

My instructor always told me to "bump" him: gently pull back on the reins, on and off, on and off, without giving him too much slack to gain control. It always works on her horses and mine.

[@RobbytheLion]

Thankfully I've never had the experience of having a horse out of control while riding it. I have however, had a runaway team while driving. It's happened to me more than once and you wouldn't believe the momentum two ponies and a wagon can have.

[@vintage.chestnut3669]

Thanks! The horse I ride is green at the barn and is freaked at everything. So I was so happy to control him as he does listen but he is crazy! So thank you for the video

[@willowsunstorm764]

Just after I watched this, I went to ride and my pony got spooked and started galloping! Thanks so much for the vid

[@adaturanli8839]

The other day, I was on a trail ride and something caused my horse to bolt. Two of my friends were in front of me, one on a very strong horse. They all decided to start galloping towards the steepest hill on the trail, and we couldn't stop them. Thankfully, eventually they stopped, just at the foot of the hill. It would have been great to have known this then. I'll be more ready the next time. :)

[@dshe8637]

Great advice, thank you.

[@melandienieuwoudt8581]

Thanks this helped a lot, most people dont even whant to ride my horse, because she cant stop. She got a bit, but she is not right trained so the bit doesnt stop her (i didnt train her) it only makes her rear. I personaly think that a horse needs a bit, they dont hurt the horse, there aint even teeth were the bit goes! Thanks a lot.

[@melandienieuwoudt8581]

Your right, my one horse, got realy bad exleriance with bits. His previous owners banged it agenst his teeth or somthing, now he rear when ever i try to put a soft bit in. He is a very stong horse, Thorough bred cros arabian, and its harder to stop him than a runing train. And wile galloping he bucks, his bucks is SO high i cant even stay on one buck. So you get my point. He needs a bit, but how. I agree with you bits can be harmful, but if you can use it right it can be fine

[@melandienieuwoudt8581]

Thanks for the information. His tack is fine. I tierd him with a bit less, he started galloping and bucked me of. Farm workers backed him and that is the problem.He is not trained right. Know all he knows is galloping and hurding cattle.

[@melandienieuwoudt8581]

I dont know how to retrain a clever horse like him.

[@melandienieuwoudt8581]

Thank you i will :-)

[@melandienieuwoudt8581]

Hi sorry for bothering you, i realy need help. I have been riding my bucking horse, i notice that he is working agenst me, when ever i pull left he pulls his head to the oposite site and rear, he is very strong and i cant get him to go in my direction. Please help me, i dont know what to do.

[@toughdawg]

I always calm down, tickling the reins softly, put my hands at a low point, have my posture good and start doing circles while pressuring my outside leg a bit so it can start closing into small ones etc. I go from gallop to canter, trot and walk. I give them pets and rewarding words so they know they did a good job on stopping. Always be cautious. And try not to be like a rock if something like that happens. You will probably be thrown off and have a horse on the loose

[@KeepCalmAndSparkle91]

ok thx again^^ i will try to see if i can tell the diffrence next time i'm riding

[@JasperIsaLittleHorse]

I love to gallop my horse Savvy, and even though he is not that fast, the moemnt I give him his head he takes right off and he just loves it. Soemtimes i have a hard time getting him back, but for the most part i can bring him back down to a canter then I circle him to a trot. He is a safe horse for me to gallop and ride, but I make sure that everyone that rides him knows the one rein stop and basic leg cues, as a horse can still gallop strait with thier head pulled to your leg.

[@oneegyptianpharaoh2798]

Ok, let's try that technique. Thanks a lot.

[@h20phoenixX]

Very good advice for in the ring/arena riding.

[@azurastar1508]

Verrrrryyyyyy helpfull! Thank you very much 🤗👍

[@TheHorselover656]

This will help with riding my pony thanks

[@jobsnyder1706]

I had to use the "circling" method before, except I did not know that term to owner just yelled "Spin him!" - baptism by fire! but it did work and he stopped before we hit the road. I have since learned a less panicked way to "circle", but hearing her talk about a "pulley rein" is another something to keep in mind. Thankfully at my age and the age of my horse I hope not to have to use these tricks.

[@anupsalve5460]

Nice! HI,This is very nicely described about galloping. Actually I been to Hill station nearby me and there I took horse for go around and see the points there, of course with horse owner (This was my first time to sit on the horse). owner was on another horse and controlling my horse too and walking with us, he tried to show me how to sit in trot. But I was not able to grip and bouncing. But then we decide not to get in to it and keep walking because my back was started hurting by then . Next Day when we started again but then he was behind me and distance between us was about 30-40 feet and all of the sudden my horse started galloping and it took me lots of effort to stop him as I totally don't have any idea how to stop and only was knew I have to pull the rein to stop the horse, some how I balanced . I tried pulling the rein but still he was running so fast I was scared as he took me so far from where we stared , Somehow I Stopped the horse.(Horse was so heated I think by then). But my experience was thrilling and same time I got so scared too. Last two weeks I have pain in my rib cage and back whenever I start running. So now resting and applying pain relief spray. But now I have decided to learn the horse riding and watched your video and felt its worth watching and learning from it. Thank a lot....keep sharing. Anup Salve

[@bluebird7962]

Totally agree...that ain't a 'gallop' that is a canter. Best thing to do if a horse tanks off with a rider is to 'go with it' provided there are no obstacles. He will eventually run out of steam. However, if things are getting dangerous, look for the safest landing area for you, take your feet out of the stirrups and prepare to roll off and away from the horse keeping your head tucked into your chest. You may end up with cuts, bruises and possibly a broken limb but better that than dead.

[@ekcopyephilips]

What a brilliant informative sensible video.

[@maliwahtallhei]

I've often found half-halting very effective in such situations.

[@Blackdragon99omfg]

I had that same issue with a Angelo Arab who hadn't been ridden in a few months if not a year. I got his head turned slightly and used his momentom to jump off. That was after about 6 bucks.

[@03firefly]

@horserider2587 I've had to use it before. It works really well, but try to use the circling method first if possible.

[@PepperPony76]

i bet your a VERY good instructor! too bad i don't live in tennessee :)

[@ellaequestrian4380]

My horse bolted and I haven't even learnt to gallop and I stayed on for ages and she slowed down and I jumped off because I lost both stirrups

[@milozmutz1019]

Thanks for the tip, does it work if the horse spooks and runs off if its fairly new to riding

[@shannononnahs]

very good advise

[@hackamore]

If you are on a horse that is in an uncontrollable gallop in which it shows no regard for its own life (a bolt), I don't think there is much you can do other than dismount, which will probably lead to an injury. But if you have any control at all, the best thing to do, IMO, would be to relax (hah!) and steer it toward an open course and let it run itself out. Pulley rein, etc. will lead to a train wreck.

[@amymillenadams9815]

Great tips

[@Daiseexx]

Thanks this seems like it may work. As you said there is no point pulling as the horse is always going to beat you.

[@callmechia]

Happened to me recently on a heavily wooded trail ride. The horse just wanted to run and didn’t care whether I was on her back or not. Very scary. Next time I might use the pulley method but I don’t want to be thrown (intentionally or not)

[@starbuxx2978]

Once i was riding a green horse and my mom was lunging it and then we were headed for the barn. My mom tried to put her to a trot. But instead she galloped a tiny bit and then started bucking. And my mom was saying, ahem, *yelling* "LET GO OF THE REINS!! LET GO OF THE REINS!!" so i did and then i sprained my thumb and the most majestic part is that i landed in *FREAKING HIRSE FECES!* and then my mom was d trying to calm the horse down and i could not ride her for 5 whole weeks. I was 9 btw. This is a true story.

[@kristinalane6721]

@Mark Alan I dont think they were trying to canter right there, they were just demostrating how to turn

[@cristianakiki123]

Try looking if the saddle fits her well or if the girth is too tight. I'm not a professional, but it might have been your position as well (not being mean) Don't be scared! Its ok, everyone falls at some point :) Be brave and the more confident you are, the less scared you'll be. :) Hope that helped (not trying to be mean or rude, just giving my oppinion) :)

[@bhorse26152]

she's good. she should also show you how to hobby horse a tough one

[@TheBrendadale]

I was training this mare every day on the track, but decided to do a trial ride with her, just for something different. We crossed a road, there was a car, she freaked and ran back home. She did her max speed back to the barn, bit in teeth. I tried turning her head at the barn, didn't work. I yanked her head right around the other way, off balancing her, and we crashed right into the side of the barn! It was a scary experience, but never stopped our trusting relationship.

[@mollypinnock1594]

Thank you very much for helping me!

[@DeathKitty123456]

@ilovejoeify she knows, she says a gallop is an elongated faster version of a canter, the cantering horse was just an example of what to do

[@MrsCullenJankowski]

Thank you! This helped a ton!

[@bewildered75]

She didn't say she was galoping in the video, it was in an arena for goodness sake and using a slowed down effect to give an idea of what to do. Yes it will work if done correctly but there is a difference between gallop and panic bolting when baling out may be the better option for your own safety A bolting horse can run for miles if its fit enough and they dont think where they are going so letting them run it out could see you on a busy road etc or them falling on bad ground

[@akanewe]

Well said. You realised that it was enough, too often I get hooked up and still waste time argueing. As you see this is a matter of points of view, you will never be able to make someone like that UNDERSTAND what you say cos they see horses and their relation with horses from an angle that will never be yours. They think that their bumping, bringing back to reality, making understand is the way to correct horses and manage them. They won't see changes till they change, how will they change?

[@HorseJouster]

Excellent speaking style!

[@xxcolourmecrazyxx]

Another 'last resort' is to climb up one rein and grab the bit and yank it - Always been taught to do that and it always works, Horse stops because it's heas is turned to one side only that it cant see where its going ^-^

[@perezbronz]

That was very helpful!

[@CheeseCakeExtreme]

I cant wait to get my thoroughbred in January I'm gonna Gallop him for the first time ever for him and me!! Will be so much fun. :) Hoping to get a gopro helmet cam for christmas so if you guys wanna watch it in january!!

[@madisonsmith7052]

I use a barrel racing saddle and last time i used it i tried a tiny canter and my horse bucked im scared to use my saddle now how eould i control my horse from bucking while under saddle? P.s im very experienced but last horse i owned did not do this any suggestions and please no tiny horse talk i know a lot

[@horsecrasyA]

I'd suggest making sure you have ur horses head at all times, my old horse use to do this but I soon figured out how to tell when she was about to buck. Naturally she would grab a hold of the bit so I had no control and then put her head down and buck. If this is the case take ur reins and alternate them as to shake the bit from the horses grasp then pull back to lift the horses head. I Hope This Helps :)

[@nataliemarie9263]

The saddle might cause irritation and pain for your horse, it could possibly be 'one of those days' as well!

[@iloveluckyverymuch1271]

ey very cool and helpfull video

[@SarcasticPony12]

she is a riding instructor!!! she knows what she is doing! lol

[@iwuvchance]

Great tips! I was on a trail a couple weeks ago with some of the girls from my barn they were galloping in front of me and i didn't want 2 and my horse started galloping and would not stop!

[@Googoodragonify]

She was using the circle as a way to slow down an out-of-control gallop. Breaking out of the gate was the point.

[@destinyanna]

@kompuiheartsu i just started horse back riding lessons and on my second lesson i was cantering it was so fun!

[@durnerboi4597]

I do not claim to be any kind of expert or professional, but a hackmore seems to work just fine. They won't run for long if they cant breathe.

[@Laneismynickname]

First time cantering ---> Terriefied ---> Relieved ---> Smiling to Death.

[@KeepCalmAndSparkle91]

and which of both are you riding when for example jumping? and which in horse race? sorry for the asking but i'm kinda confused

[@horselovergirl19]

Hello, I ride this mare.. And she tense to gallop out of the gate. She did that with me yesterday. I was cantering her and the gate was open. She changed her lead and ran out the gate. And she has done this for years and years. Tomorrow I am riding her, so what should I do? She a TWH/Arabian. My bridle is cob size and a D-ring hunter snaffle bit.

[@ravanshiv6815]

Thanks alot

[@kaibakitty05]

whats the difference between galloping and cantering? my horse feels like its running when i ask it to canter.

[@horserider82997]

@therwea If you pull hard on their mouth it will but with soft hands you'll have more control

[@KeepCalmAndSparkle91]

then can all horses do both?

[@camihorselover1]

i was cantering and my horse went into a gallop and then went into a run and would not stop i finally fell and hit the outside fence. i used all the wrong motions like pulling on the reining which only made him go faster

[@alexheffernan9085]

My cob got spooked and started galloping on a wooded path and was heading to jump a large metal barrier. I barely managed to stop him by pulling him into the ditch

[@snowangle909]

@l8rgator I used a full-cheek snaffle with him! He was quite soft-mouthed haha. Hmmm how to explain gnawing... I guess a kind of "give and take"? Just kind of squeeze your hand, release, and repeat. Does that make sense? =/

[@horserider82997]

@OreoAndMo Perhaps you could buy a stronger bit because i had the same problem with my horse, Dakota, to where every time he ran he raced against another horse, i couldn't stop no matter what I did. I finally went to a tack shop and bought a strong kimberwick bit instead of my snaffle and i got control of him. Let me know if this helps :)

[@ayran8]

if i am allowed to, i'd rather see you suggest how to sit back and open the shoulders rather than jumping on the pulley reins trick, i don't mean to criticize, but i am just pointing out there's no mention about of trying not to lean forward putting the horse even more on the forehand, i would be more specific on what that "slow down -get things back together" really means; imho no sense doing rough stuff when the rider is also telling the horse "GO" with their body language.kinda confuses em.

[@final_friday]

Wonderful tips and all true :)

[@AucklandNZ1]

Any offer of support for this video rather than harsh criticism, sarcastic or not?

[@03firefly]

In hunt seat the hand-gallop is a faster version/extended version of the canter. I do think she should have used the phrase hand-gallop in her description, but I will not say she was totally wrong.

[@TheFelixShow01]

@kompuiheartsu Lucky. I have had only one lesson for my birthday. I know the sitting trot and how to control the horse with reins. Thats it.

[@scarletpeoni9347]

I don't think I've ever felt in control in gallop, my attention goes off control and into staying on, the same in canter. However much balance work ive done I just felt out of control always when cantering and galloping, or more that the horse/pony had control and my control was perceived at that pace because most concentration was on balance. Good video though, people should be taught this before they have chance to be bolted with!

[@xAliceWings]

The horse I ride is called Gentleman and he's REALLY lazy. It's hard to stay in gallop or even trot so I use blunt spurs and it's like magic, I am careful but he listens extrem exactly to what I want. It's amazing. I didn't even know that he can run that fast. It's always a wonderful feeling to feel him moving under me. He's 24 and started in versatility tournaments in M and stays most of the time on the coupler. His owner said maybe that's the reason why he's a bit "hardy" for assistances.

[@Niblets759563]

Any tips on how to stop your horse drifting when galloping mine does it till shes at the other side of the feild

[@raihusain7425]

Good videoc

[@crazyhorsegurl7]

Well if this is galloping, I wonder what cantering is?

[@LazyNinja201]

What about when your in a small space?

[@waterhorsez]

My horse takes off out of no where and I'm forced to jump off any tips on this?

[@l8rgator]

@snowangle909 and her Arab Can you explain more of what you mean by gnaw, and what type of bit do you use?

[@Darkssslady]

I think she just talked about nice groomed brown horses. OF COURSE this works for every horse - with this method you are willing and able to break the horses jaw. Nice work teaching unexperienced people how to hurt the horse. Please just try to NOT get in a situation with uncontrolled gallop and if so - just let the horse run for several seconds. If you want your horse to just work and make no mistakes - ride a stupid bicycle!

[@barrelhorselover99]

yes those situations would be dangerous my point exactly.

[@iToxicGlowxx]

Ok so, ive been riding this TB cross Standerbred for about 2 months now. I've owned and ridden many horses before, but after every ride Luigis Coronet bands get SUPER hot! I dont know what I can do to help... Any idea whats wrong? He has front shoes on... I think they might be to small... Should I be wrapping his legs?