WALK
Right Front / Left Hind / Left Front / Right Hind…
4 beat gait
symmetrical
each hoof hits ground at separate interval
any moment: 2-3 feet on the ground
shows physical/mental tension the most
if back muscles tight: will loose rhythm
slow gait: allows rider to be quieter/aids precise
great to teach horse new movements / confirm trained movements
MEDIUM WALK
Intro - 3rd Level
clear / regular / unconstrained
on the bit
rider light / soft / steady contact
energetic walk / calmly forward
moderate lengthening (overtracking)
horse lengthens frame / stride
poll highest point
FREE WALK
Intro - 2nd Level
relaxation (mental & physical)
horse has complete freedom to lower / stretch head & neck
either long rein (with contact) or loose rein (no contact)
horse lengthens frame / stride
COLLECTED WALK
3rd Level - Grand Prix
on the bit
move forward with neck raised / arched
self carriage
hind legs engaged (hocks increased carrying power)
joints flex (cover less ground, more elevated, active)
hind hoof prints behind or on front hoof prints
short powerful strides
frame short & elevated (poll up, croup lowered)
EXTENDED WALK
3rd - Grand Prix
very long frame
stretch head & neck
covering as much ground as possible
with contact (feel on the bit)
uphill balance / with regularity
biggest overtrick possible for horse
double co-efficient, even in Grand Prix
TROT
Left Front with Right Hind, Right Front with Left Hind….with moment of suspension in between beats
2 beat gait
alternate diagonal legs
Quality
regular elastic steps
maintain rhythm / balance
reach out of shoulder and active hocks
hind legs under horse’s body carrying weight
WORKING TROT
Intro - 1st Level
on the bit
balanced
forward / even
elongated stride / outline
moderate stride length
poll highest point
relaxed onto bit
arch of neck
COLLECTED TROT
2nd Level - Grand Prix
on the bit
shorter outline poll to tail
neck & withers stretched / arched upward
energetic impulsion / allow shoulder freedom
shorter strides
balanced
uphill: elevated in front / lowering behind
MEDIUM TROT
2nd Level - Grand Prix
on the bit
horse’s head bit more in front of vertical than working & collected trot
lower head & neck a little
lengthening stride (covering more ground than working & collected trot)
not quicker
supple / round / loose in back
EXTENDED TROT
3rd - Grand Prix
on the bit
covering as much ground as physically possible for the horse
even tempo
uphill balance
stretch / lengthen outline
increased suspension
CANTER
Right Lead: Left Hind / Right Hind and Left Front simultaneously / Right Front / Moment of Suspension (all 4 legs in the air)….
3 beat gait
Right Lead & Left Lead
longer moment of suspension = active hind end, more spectacular medium / extended canter, and flying changes
Quality
regularity & lightness of strides
self carriage & uphill tendency
active hind legs
balance & rhythm
height of front legs
freedom of shoulder
back relaxed & swinging
mental / physical relaxation
elastic contact
round & steady frame
WORKING CANTER
Training - 1st Level
on the bit
pace between collected / medium canter
horse forward & even
light / cadenced strides / good hock action
1st Level - more lengthened / elongated strides
balanced
COLLECTED CANTER
2nd Level - Grand Prix
on the bit
move forward with neck arched / raised
lightness of forehand
engaged hindquarters
supple / free / mobile shoulders
shorter strides
horse uses hind legs quicker while containing energy
uphill balance
MEDIUM CANTER
2nd Level - Grand Prix
on the bit
allow lower head & neck in front of vertical
pace between collected / extended canter
lengthening of outline
moves forward with free / balanced / long strides
impulsion from hind quarters
EXTENDED CANTER
3rd - Grand Prix
on the bit
no leaning on bit while lowering / extending head & neck - tip of nose pointed forward
covering as much ground as physically possible for the horse
increased moment of suspension
horse lengthens frame