Anticipating the gallop at a show

[sarah09]

My horse always used to do a very steady and flowing show however recently he has started to anticipate the gallop at the end of the show and becomes very tense on both reins in canter, he also sometimes does this on the go round aswell. I have tried to change my individual show which seemed to help for some time but now he always seems to be anticipating the gallop!
Any help would be much appreciated!
Thank you

[Deleted]

I have found there's not an awful lot you can do apart from change your show and not practice gallop or even canter a long side at home.
Try another jockey at a show, I'm not blaming you, but if it has become a recurring problem, you may be subconsciously anticipating the gallop also.

As for changing the show- I'm guessing lots of people are going to be saying circle before the gallop- but in my opinion this just escalates the problem. You could try an extension on the diagonal, or do you gallop first, and then do your final canter just the short side. I understand these shows seem far from the normal- but both acceptable. One of mine has won 4 RIHS quals this year by galloping first in the show.

At home, everytime you feel him starting to anticipate, downward transition to trot or walk. Walk a circle away from the long side, and ask for canter again.

[sarahp]

As well as what is said above, practise extending into gallop and decelerating gently back to a controlled canter a few times in succession out on hacks, and in different places each time and varying what you do in the lead up to the gallop. I sometimes see people jumping them straight off into a flat out gallop in the ring, but trying to get over the point to the horse that the whole thing is under your control is what you need to aim for.

[sarah09]

Thank you For your suggestions will try these!

[ilovebuckroox]

Just doing dressage has helped my lad lots.