In Hand Classes - how to practice the trot up?

[sunshine]

Afternoon All,

Any tips on how to acheive a good trot up?

I managed it fine as part of a group but the lad went to sleep and refused to move in the individual trot up. Monkey, showing his mum up like that. I am sure I could hear laughter......

HELP?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sunshine]

Anyone?!

[cubic]

Practice. I know it sounds cliche, but if they do it as part of their every day routine (eg as part of going to/from their field or before you ride) most learn to do it just like they learn to walk beside you.

If he falls asleep before the individual trot up, have a crackly bit of paper, tictac box with a penny in it or some mints in your pocket to take out and wake him up

[sunshine]

The problem is that he is such a slug walking in from the field - he is so slow it takes me forever.

I shall start to practice now. I have signed up for a show on Monday as a practice class.

That is a great tip with the tic tac thingy........ I shall see if it works!

[gemma]

Do endurance! You have to trot up twice at a graded ride, more so for an ER.

All joking aside, practice at home until he (she) does it willingly. Treats always help (or is that just my pony!)

[sunshine]

I'll let you know how the practice goes!

Having a session tomorrow to practice individual ridden and in hand show.

Then I have the real deal on Monday at a show........ please please let him be good and on the ball!

I'll be rattling my tic tacs like there is no tomorrow. Hopefully he won't mug me!!! How embarrassing would that be.