Im doing a level 2 horse care course and struggling on some questions?
Beverly G asked:
As I havnt owned a horse for some 20 years Im very rusty and am getting stuck on some of the questions. One of them is to explain what I know about “trotting up” and how to hold the lead rope in this situation? If anyone can help Id be very grateful.
Trotting up is usually done to test the soundness of a horse. It should be carried out on a solid and level surface so that uneven steps can be spotted easily. The horse should be trotted steadily and you should hold the leadrope far enough away from the horse not to interfere with the horses movement. Make sure you bring the horse back to a balanced walk before turning around and trotting back and always turn the horse away from you.
hi if you email me i know some one who is on level 3 and is just finishing it to become a riding instructor…she’ll be very happy to help!
Trotting up is done to see if a horse moves freely and easily in trot and to check for lameness. It is when the horse is trotted in hand whilst someone watches the movement for any signs of lameness. It is best to check for lameness at trot because it is the only gait in which the horse puts an equal amount of weight on each leg. It must be done on a hard, level surface so that you can hear and see clearly any unsoundness. You should leave 30-45cm (12-18 in) of loose rein so that you don’t interfere with the movement of the head. Trot the horse up and down in a straight line, remembering to trot past the vet so they can see the horse’s action from the side as well as front and back. When turning round don’t forget to bring the horse back to walk and balance it.