The hand gallop is seen most often in jumping disciplines, but it is a great physical and mental exercise for horses and riders of all disciplines. It improves cardiovascular fitness while lengthening, suppling and strengthening the muscles for both you and your horse. It is a good test of how well your horse listens to you. And, it’s fun!

The hand gallop falls between a canter and a gallop. It is a three-beat gait like the canter, but the horse covers more ground with each stride as he lengthens his neck and has a slightly flattened top line. The gallop is a faster four-beat gait.

Before attempting the hand gallop, your horse must be calm, light in your hands, well balanced and supple in walk, trot and canter. A supple, well balanced horse can handle changes in speed, direction and footing and can easily and smoothly lengthen, shorten and change gaits.

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