 |
|
|
|
|
On horseback |
|
At different paces |
|
|
As with all horses, Chilean horses know the three basic paces - walking, trotting and galloping.
The fundamental pace while horse-trekking, is walking. Horses need a lot of energy to perform well during a lengthy journey. Take caution that your horse doesn't begin to doze off while on a walking trek. This may be especially dangerous on unfamiliar terrain; therefore, you should remain alert and make sure you are pushing your horse forward every so often.
To the inexperienced rider, trotting becomes the most uncomfortable pace and light trotting, which is uncommon in Chile, might be a better alternative: Using the thrust on the horse's back, move upwards so that you're lifted off the saddle with every second trotting beat, stand briefly and let yourself fall gently back to the saddle with every beat. It's a good idea to fix a foreleg as your support (on longer distances, change the support leg every five minutes, making sure the horse bears the weight on both sides). Every time the support leg steps forward, you stand up shortly, then immediately sit again, just to stand up again with the next beat.
It is far easier to stay seated during the gallop; the pace allows the rider to swing along. However, galloping is drastically faster than trotting, thus beginners are generally a bit afraid to begin galloping. If you would like to gallop in a light position (less exhausting for the rider and relieving for the horse), simply lean forwards a little and stand on the stirrups until your backside is not touching the saddle. It is important that your knees remain tight against the saddle, so that you won't lose your balance.
If you are lucky, you might get a horse capable of performing a particular pace called Marcha (a combination between walking and trotting). This pace is extremely comfortable for riders and a great deal less exhausting for the horse than trotting or galloping and while still a faster pace, it is ideal for horse-trekking. |
|
 |
Top of page |
|
«Back Next » |
|
|
|
|
