Horse
Problem - Riding Horse Downhill & Uphill - What is the
proper riding position to be in for riding hills?
QUESTION: I have a question. When I'm riding my horse downhill, I really feel the need to keep his head in check, and I also have a tendency to keep myself out of the saddle. I know I am supposed to sit back to help him balance, but I feel when I sit down and let his head go, he wants to run down the hill (often to try to keep up with the other horse who is bigger--longer strides--and who is confident going down the hill at a walk). As a result, he "minces" down the hill, if you know what I mean -- taking baby steps so we get way behind the other horse. I need some advice on how to practice hill descent with him so that he is comfortable walking, at his pace, and I can keep my seat so it's more comfortable for him.
If your horse tries to speed up when going downhill when you want him to walk instead, put your feet forward like you yourself are bracing for a stop and use your seat, sitting deeper in the saddle, lean back, to show him you want a slow down there -- or a stop (stop often if the horse wants to go too fast). And if/when needed, slow him down or stop him by picking up one rein and asking for the slow down. Work away from the hill to remind him of that one-rein slow-down or stop cue if/when needed. I also like to use a verbal cue in such situations as slowing down a downhill horse. My word I like to use: "Easy," but kind of drawn out like this: "Eeeeeeeasy." It reminds the horse that we're taking this very slowly, cautiously, carefully, and that cue word is pretty handy to have in their foundation for a lot of situations, not just downhill treks, that you might want the horse to suddenly focus in on "taking it easy" here now. Example: passing through a narrow gate opening, and other situations where you want the horse taking it slowly, carefully. Expect that behavior for every time you ride downhill and eventually the horse will learn this is what we do at all times when going down hill.
Ignore the other horses around you and just focus on directing your own horse and he'll learn to shut off the other horses and what they are doing, and follow your directives only. Tip: If you're going downhill and the rider in front of you is riding more slowly, hang back for a bit (stop your horse) and wait at the top of the hill before heading down. This gives the other rider a chance to safely navigate the hill at their own comfortable speed without anyone "breathing down their tail." Plus, if you're riding on rocky hills, you don't want to accidentally be sending down loose, rolling rocks, hitting your riding partner ahead of you.
Practice this when out alone riding on a small hill to get the cues down, then it'll become easier to follow a naturally faster (though still walking) other horse, you going the appropriate pace for yourself and your horse.
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