In the olden days, we were asked to a hand gallop in hunter classes. I always enjoyed it. I also used to buy off-track thoroughbreds, who seemed not to know much other than gallop. I would take them up on the trails, stand up in my stirrups and let them relax into a huge rolling gallop - way too much fun, and it actually was pretty effective in beginning to teach them to relax and be calm under saddle.
Nancy
