Cross Breeds

How do I get my horse to go past a trot?

My horse is a retired thoroughbred race horse. He is 16 yrs old. He will not go past a trot. He gets testy when I use the subtle skills that I know he knows to get him to gallop. He puts his ears back, swishes his tail in a whiping way, almost tries to buck, swings his head around. Help. I'm not interested in racing him. I would just like a nice smooth gallop instead of the trot. Thank you, Kelly

Public Comments

1. I would tell you to loosen the reins and kick the ribs with your heels...but that horse sounds pretty old. Maybe you should just let him be.
2. well, there is something we like to call a WHIP. or might you consider the fact that if you cant make your horse run, you might not be a horse trainer, kell bell. my gramma is a mute and she could still get a horse to run. some people arnt just cut out for it.
3. If he is putting his ears back and swishing his tail, he obviously doesn't want to run. If you think something is irritating him or hurting him when he runs (such as the saddle rubbing, or maybe he is sore) they contact someone who might know about it. If he is just being frustrated, push harder and make him do what he wants. But be aware that something like a heath issue could be going on. And I might also suggest that you try cantering him before you go straight into a gallop. Go to canter before the next step.
4. It's really hard to answer these type of Questions ..we don't know how YOU ride !! so All I can say from what you said is maybe your not giving him the right ques and or maybe he hurts ears back etc tells me something is wrong I never really blame the horse most riders are at fault but they don't want to hear that Other's here tell you things to do,, and How can they with out watching you ride and the horse so I won't tell you how to get him in a gallop but I will say something is wrong and seek a trainer that can help you