Tips to get a horse to stride out in trot??

[blueeyed20girl]

any hints would be most greatful, we have a lovely RoR who is very trainable and have been re schooling her for 8 months now, she goes in a lovely outline, is very fine - almost hack type fine, but her trot stride is quite choppy almost like she doesnt know how to stride out? all checks have been done ie saddle, back teeth etc so nothing physically wrong, have introduced poles to her to encourage her? any hints and tips guys??

[LinsopStud]

I have an RoR too and this was hard for him as when I asked for more in the trot he rushed forward and hollowed. I suppose mostly I would just say persistence so I would just maintain the leg contact so I wasn't asking for more and just rise slightly quicker and push him on from the hip. Started it for a couple of strides at a time then built it up. My Riding Horse (a TB but not an RoR) can have a very choppy trot when he's evading working from his back end so I find with him just loads of leg and push him into the hand. Different things work for different horses don't they. She sounds lovely good luck with her!

[farrellperdi]

Thank god im not alone!
I have a ROR who was a nightmare in trot, would evade contact and get very choppy, and then before i knew it we would be in a very collected canter (on the spot!) :/
Tried those roller spurs they helped a little as did getting a dressage saddle.
But i did lots of walk, canter & Trot, halt transitions. Its stopped her choppy trot and she now has a loverly long trot and on occasion we get medium & extended trot.

[ilovebuckroox]

My friend went to watch a ROR clinic (can't remember who with sorry!) and she said to stay rising and allow the horse to stretch with a looser rein.. Hopefully someone else went to the same clinic and can clarify!

[gillwales]

Before trying to lengthen you need to establish a rhythmic trot, however short the strides, work from there

try lunging in an arena, run your horse on the lunge line along the long side then go back to a circle and establish a rhythm then go again, if she breaks into a canter return immediately to the circle.

Try trotting poles, ride them to her normal stride then gradually lengthen the distance between them

when out hacking push on in trot going up hill, giving your reins has her stride lengthens

do not forget to use your voice has an aide

when schooling try using music to establish rhythm

do not forget you can control the trot with your seat, your rising can help establish the stride as your horse will adjust its stride to your rising

as above transition work is always useful
as she gets more balanced try using lateral work as it will help her stretch without increasing her speed