A discussion on how to preserve the purity, rhythm, and balance of a horse’s natural gaits amidst play, collection, and experimentation.
⸻
Key Techniques for Maintaining Gaits
- Avoid Forcing – Force or premature collection can disrupt natural movement.
- Return to Basics – After advanced movements, always revisit natural walk, trot, and canter.
- Reward Regular Gaits – Especially after play or collected work, reinforce normal gaits.
- Use Stretching and Head-Lowering – These relax the back and restore rhythm.
- Sideways Work in Walk or Trot – Movements like shoulder-in help release tension and reset rhythm.
Challenges and Adjustments
• Horses may substitute collected gaits for regular ones if only the former are rewarded.
• Frequent transitions on small circles can lead to 4-beat canters or irregularity.
• Enthusiasm and lack of strength may cause horses to alter gaits unintentionally.
Key Insights
• Gait quality reflects both mental and physical balance.
• Building strength and clarity in basics prevents gait degradation.• Alternating between collection and relaxation maintains purity and engagement.