Extending the trot

[Lydia00]

My pony can do extended trot really well or should i say used to! She began doing it when there would be another horse trotting/cantering infront of us. I would block her from cantering after it and then she would really elavate and extend. It was fab! I began adding extended trot when i schooled her and she learnt to do it without someone in front but now she wont do it! Even when she's really listening to me. She seems to extend a little but not as much as before. What have i forgotten? There seems to be something different or something missing?

[Lydia00]

replies anyone??

[rosieee]

What aids are you giving her at the minute to extend? This may help people to give advice. I would imagine that if she is not extending to the same extent as when following another horse then she is probably not in front of your leg enough or responsive to your aids enough and so is not putting in the same effort. If this is so then how about working more on getting her to move off your leg quickly before working on her extension. Just some suggestions as i am certainly no expert, just thought I would reply as my suggestions are surely better than nothing!

[honey]

I'm no expert but to get a proper extended trot from the shoulder the horse has to be in self carriage, and have plenty of impulsion from behind, so that when you ask for the extension its from behind and the horse isn't just running through the bridal and running faster, and if the horse speeds up which it musn't you must half halt do bring it down to the same speed. When you ask for the extension lean back slightly in the saddle and ride further from the saddle. this gives the horse more freedom and incourages the horse to follow your longer rise. Hope this helps.

[heidi]

Could she have developed a minor physical problem, perhaps when playing in the field?

[Yann]

Again, no expert at all, but my understanding is that before you can get proper extension you need to have collection. Unlike yours, my horse isn't naturally inclined to extend her trot, but by collecting right up into a corner and then giving the aids for lengthening down the long side or across the long diagonal we're just starting to get a few strides. Shortening her right up before you extend might create the necessary energy, unless you're already doing that of course.

[poppyandbea]

she my not be letting herself go as she is sore somewhere back, shoulders forelegs as if she was doing it fine for you before i would get her checked out also the saddle could be pinching when she lenghtens

[OP]

;DThankyou for all the replies! I dont think its a physical problem, she's had most things checked very recently although il check her back and saddle again. Next time il try collecting her first on the corner and il only ask her to extend for a few strides! Thanks again and il be sure to get her checked out! ;D

[varkie]

Yup, my instructor has me do that too. Collect on the short sides, and extend on the long sides. But you really do need an impulsive punchy trot which is really coming through from behind first.