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Riding the jackhammer

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  • #1

    Riding the jackhammer

    Ok I really hate my gelding's trot, it is really like a jackhammer. We're getting a new saddle that has a nice deep padded seat but would it be enough to soften the blows or is there another trick besides skipping the trot.
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  • #2
    Originally posted by spotted draft x filly View Post
    Ok I really hate my gelding's trot, it is really like a jackhammer.
    Are you talking sitting trot or posting trot? My lesson horse is also quite the jackhammer, and for me it was a matter of (tons of) lessons getting him to step under behind and half-halt a little more in front so he goes more forward than up/down. This was all done on posting trot; I'm just learning how to sit this thing.

    Good luck!

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    • #3
      What disclipline and type of saddle do you ride in? Can you rate him / adjust his pace within the trot? If he has a very upright shoulder, he's never going to have a long sweeping stride, but still, most trots can be improved by lifting his back, being on the bit, engaging the HQ more.

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      • Original Poster
        #4
        The new saddle is a barrel saddle since we will be pointing him in that direction. I've used my trail saddle on him as well as the exercise saddle. At least in the exercise saddle I can stand up in the stirrups when he trots.

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        • #5
          My gelding used to have a jackhammer trot. Teaching him to accept my aids, stretch, and use his back properly rather than drop it & just make his legs move changed his trot from jackhammer to eminently sittable. Used to be I couldn't sit his trot at all to I can only sit it occasionally to now when I can always sit comfortably. Like everything with dressage, it's about the training.

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          • #6
            OP, I guess the key is to not think of it like "his trot", as if the current jackhammer gait is a fixed characteristic like having 3 socks and a blaze. He's simply using his body in certain ways right now, and you can teach him through aids and exercises to use it differently.
            Here are a couple of threads with more specific tips:
            http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/ar.../t-348677.html
            http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/ar.../t-193743.html

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            • #7
              I've had a couple of jackhammer horses and it seemed their lope was much better than the other horses. IDK why.

              Anywho, the one thing which helped me was basic dressage training AND don't go anywhere at a spanking trot, unless chasing a cow or an emergency. Standing in stirrups is always good, too. But with the basic dressage, I'm not sure what level it would be, he will need to round up a bit, get more on the bit and use his bum end a bit more so his hind hoof print at least comes a bit closer to his front hoofprint. It ain't ever going to be perfect but it will be more ridable.
              GR24's Musing #19 - Save the tatas!!

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              • #8
                I've had a couple of jackhammer horses and it seemed their lope was much better than the other horses. IDK why.

                Anywho, the one thing which helped me was basic dressage training AND don't go anywhere at a spanking trot, unless chasing a cow or an emergency. Standing in stirrups is always good, too. But with the basic dressage, I'm not sure what level it would be, he will need to round up a bit, get more on the bit and use his bum end a bit more so his hind hoof print at least comes a bit closer to his front hoofprint. It ain't ever going to be perfect but it will be more ridable.
                GR24's Musing #19 - Save the tatas!!

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                • #9
                  The cowpony I ride isn't very comfortable. Baby dressage and a ThinLine pad have helped, but he'll never be the Lexus my TB is. It does make a difference when they're soft and supple over their topline. I also do very little sitting trot until the end of the ride, when we're both (hopefully) nice and loose. Doing ab exercises regularly has also helped!
                  I love my Econo-Nag!

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                  • #10
                    A really stabby trot might be a sign of lack of fitness or even lameness.

                    I have one horse with a really difficult trot...it's not stabbity though, it's just big and animated. It takes a lot of rider fitness for me to sit his trot, I had to learn that in order to sit, I needed to move A LOT! It's definitely easier when he's really through and moving out over his back...but it's never going to be a nice, relaxed jog.

                    I have gone to multiple Connected Riding clinics and over the years have really improved my riding...it shows with this horse the most. Last year, at 4 months pregnant, I won a little Under Saddle/Equitation class on him...totally based off the nice, clean sitting trot I did. I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO proud!
                    Lifestyle coordinator for Zora, Spooky, Wolfgang and Warrior

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                    • #11
                      Dressage schooling and Pentosan.

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                      • #12
                        A jackhammer trot indicates a small stabby trot. It is also hard to sit the horses at the other end of the spectrum. Keep the speed down, keep the horse balanced and work at relaxing your back.
                        Proud member of People Who Hate to Kill Wildlife clique

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                        • #13
                          My horse used to have a jackhammer trot. We have since transformed it into something rather nice. It still takes a long warmup to get him put together, but once he's working through his back, it is very much improved. My understanding is a trot can be improved up to 80%. Sure some of it might be pain related, but if it is just a conformation issue, it can be fixed.
                          "Do what you can't do"

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