Fun comparison of four walking gaits on a loose rein of the same naturally gaited horse on the same day in regular and slow motion.

4 Walks on a Loose Rein

By Jennifer Klitzke

In dressage, we communicate with the horse through the consistent use and effective timing of our rein, leg, seat and weight aids. The horse learns to accept and follow a light snaffle bit contact and the rider learns to follow the horse’s natural head and neck motion.

What happens to communication on a long loose rein?

In dressage, through the course of a 30–60-minute riding session, the horse is offered many breaks (rewards). The horse is halted or released to a walk and the rein is extended to the buckle on loose rein.

This is video captures moments through our ride where my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse is enjoying her breaktime. She is relaxed in mind and body, traveling forward with even rhythm, and in balance.

As I watch this video, I notice her free walk and flat-footed walk are the most expressive with the biggest strides, over track, and head nod. In these expressions of walk, they have the most motion to follow with my hip joints.

What happens to quality on a loose rein?

I also notice, the faster she travels, the smoother she naturally becomes, and the less motion I have to follow with my hip joints. However, I also notice, the faster she travels on a loose rein, the shorter her strides become.

Very interesting.

In terms of quality gait, her free walk and flat-footed walk are the best she can do. However, while the flat walk and running walk are smooth, they are not the quality steps she is capable of.

Random thoughts and questions about riding on a loose rein

Is contact required for quality smooth gaits or are the faster smoother gaits naturally shorter strided? If the latter, are we forcing our naturally gaited horses into positions that are not natural? Or is my naturally gaited horse just enjoying a break from the longer stride I had been working her in?

I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.

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