HXF Change Rein in Working Trot Over X (4-6 Steps) of Walk

Alex's Dressage Tips

HXF Change Rein In Working Trot Over X (4-6 Steps) of Walk

OK, so here we are looking for fluent and well balanced transitions down and up, with the horse remaining round and connected.

We don’t want to see..
- Hollowing 
- Horse coming against the hand (mouth opening)
- A loss of balance / stumble
- Quarters swinging
- Tension / tightening over the back

Tips …..
- Be accurate, ensure you are walking over X. Most people make the transitions too late so by half halting and making the trot walk transition successfully before X then you will stand out from the others simply by being accurate.
- Try to achieve a ‘good quality 4 beat’ walk not just a shuffle. If I see a loose, balanced walk that over tracks and is over X, it’s rare, so I’ll give a higher mark.
- In your schooling practice trot, walk for (8-10) steps, then trot. Vary the amount of walk each time and always ensure a good quality walk. This way you’ll not encourage him to anticipate.
- Again, use your horse’s ears to alert you for resistances (ears back) and communicate through half-halts before and after every transition.
- Pay close attention to roundness and the transitions being ‘through’. Squeezing toothpaste out the tube .