Improves:

• Responsiveness

• Engagement

• Balance

• Suppleness

• Connection through back & topline

• Strengthen hindquarters

• Preparation for collection

• Self carriage

Quality:

• response to rider’s aids

• rhythm maintained before/during/after transition

• supple back

• connection through transition

• horse forward in all transitions (including downward transitions)

• straightness

• uphill balance

• mental/physical relaxation

• half-halts!

Transition = Change

• Upward gaits

• Downward gaits

• Within gaits