The shoulder-in is a great exercise for any horse, especially a gaited horse that paces. It diagonalizes the footfall sequence to break up pace, encourages a relaxed and soft position, develops balance, suppleness and strength.
The shoulder-in is a great exercise for any horse, especially the naturally gaited horse that paces, because this exercise diagonalizes the horse’s footfall sequence leading to a smoother gait. The shoulder-in is one of several exercises that helps break up a lateral footfall sequence to develop a smoother four-beat gait. Plus, the shoulder-in is a terrific exercise to teach balance.
First of all, let’s look at some of the reasons a naturally gaited horse paces, and then how the shoulder-in can help the horse develop a smoother gait.
Why do naturally gaited horses pace?
Some naturally gaited horses are inherently wired with a tendency to pace. Yet, there is hope for horses like this by teaching the shoulder-in.
Other reasons the naturally gaited horse paces are the horse feels blocked by a tense or stiff rider and riding in a saddle that pinches and causes the horse to tense and hollow its back. In either case the horse is unable to naturally swing its back resulting in pace or stepping pace. Learning a balanced riding position and riding in comfortable, well-fitting equipment is a must.
Adding to tension is a naturally gaited horse ridden with braced contact, a harsh bit, or riding with two-handed contact in a curb bit. The horse tenses its lower jaw leading to stiff, braced movement. Often the horse learns to avoid the contact by dropping their nose behind the vertical. Teaching the naturally gaited horse how to accept and follow a snaffle bit contact is a great way to teach relaxation of the mouth leading to smoother gaits. Learn more:Introducing a Gaited Horse to a Snaffle Bit | Naturally Gaited Horse
Another reason a naturally gaited horse paces is a weak back, loading their shoulders, and disengaging the hind leg steps (not tracking up under their body mass with the hind leg steps). Teaching the horse how to perform a shoulder-in on a circle can transform pace into a four-beat walk while also suppling and strengthening the back and hind leg steps.
How can the shoulder-in help develop a smooth gait?
The shoulder-in is a three or four track lateral exercise that helps diagonalize the horse’s foot fall sequence which breaks up the lateral steps of pace. Plus, it relaxes and softens the horse while strengthening the inside hind leg as it steps under its body mass. The hind legs and the front legs cross over, but not at the same time. The shoulder-in is not a side pass, rather it is a lateral bending exercise.
The shoulder-in also helps the naturally gaited horse learn balance by engaging the hindquarters, lifting the back, raising the chest and shoulders. The benefits include strengthening the inside hind leg as it steps under its body mass and helping the horse become soft, supple, flexible, and symmetrical.
The shoulder-in can be ridden in a straight line or the arc of a circle. The shoulder-in along the rail or arena wall is a great way to guide the rider and horse through a few steps. After the rider and horse understand the exercise along the wall, the shoulder-in is also a beneficial exercise on a circle.
Shoulder-in on a circle
The shoulder-in on a circle is an excellent remedy for the pacey naturally gaited horse because it diagonalizes its foot fall and makes the forelegs slow down while the hindleg steps take bigger strides. This relaxes the horse’s back by the alternating right and left hind steps. After a few steps in shoulder in on a circle, the horse can be directed into a straight line as long as the horse maintains a four-beat walk. As soon as the horse begins to pace, the shoulder-in on a circle resumes to break the lateral foot fall sequence.
Introducing the shoulder in along the rail and in hand.
The best way to introduce the shoulder-in is in hand. Then once the horse understands the movement, it can be performed with a rider at a slow walk. When both the rider and horse are moving as one in a shoulder-in, the exercise can be applied at a slow gait.
Now let’s look at the rein, leg, seat, and weight cues.
What are the shoulder-in cues?
There are many ways to cue the horse for the shoulder-in using the reins, legs, seat and weight aids. Over the years I have learned a few ways which are outlined below. Most importantly, it is most helpful to the horse to remain consistent with the aids after a method is adopted.
Let’s take a look…
Four ways to cue the shoulder-in
Shoulder-in cues version 1
Shoulder in along the rail (Naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse at five years old)
I began riding dressage with non-gaited horses and learned to apply the shoulder-in on a straight line with the following aids.
Inside leg on the girth to encourage the bend
Outside leg behind the girth to hold the haunches along the bend
Outside rein to keep the head and neck from over bending
Inside rein to encourage softness and a slight bend
Shoulder-in cues version 2
Jennifer and her 6-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse at a clinic with Larry Whitesell teaching us lateral exercises.
In 2010, I took my then six-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse to a Larry Whitesell, a gaited dressage clinician, who introduced me to another set of cues for the shoulder-in.
Outside leg at the girth
Inside leg behind the girth encouraging the horse to step its hind leg under its belly
Outside rein keeps the horse from over bending the neck, inside rein applies a slight give-and-take with the fingers to encourage softness and a slight bend
The rider’s shoulders turns to face the direction of movement and slightly more weigh is applied in the outside iron
At first this method was counter to my habit of learning the first version. Yet after trying it I was amazed how easy my horse grasped the shoulder-in and how effortless it is for me to ride it.
Larry has a DVD set that demonstrates the shoulder in as well as other exercises. It wasn’t until I rode with him that I realized how a soft and light contact can be. Larry has traveled all over the country to teach riders the benefits dressage has for the naturally gaited horse leading to smoother gaits.
Shoulder-in cues version 3
The shoulder-in on a circle diagonalizes the foot fall sequence helping to break up pace.
I learned of another way to cue the shoulder in with my rein, leg, seat and weight aids when I began studying the School of Legerete by Classical French Dressage Master Philippe Karl through his books and DVDs.
The rider sits slightly to the inside if applying the exercise on a circle and slightly to the outside if applying the exercise on a straight line
Inside leg is at the girth to encourage the horse to step under its body mass and toward the outside front leg
Outside leg at the girth
Inside hand is raised while requesting the horse to relax the jaw, mouth and poll and bend inward enough to see the inside eye
Outside hand is lowered at the wither.
If the horse leans on the bit, both hands are raised to meet the corners of its mouth with a nudge upward until the horse carries its own head and neck
Riding Lady, my 20-something grade gaited horse on a shoulder-in on a circle.
In 2024 I began learning and applying shoulder-in on cues as taught by Heather Moffett through her Online Classical Equitation Academy and book, “Enlightened Equitation.”
Outside leg from the hip to the foot are drawn behind the girth and follow the belly sway
Inside thigh and calf are positioned at the girth also following the belly sway while encouraging forward movement
The rider draws their inside shoulder back when riding shoulder-in on a straight line (outside shoulder back when riding shoulder-in through the bend of a corner or on a circle)
Outside rein at the wither to keep the horse from over bending the neck,
Inside rein lifts to soften the lower jaw and ask for a slight bend to the inside enough to see the eye; when the horse responds, the inside hand can be lowered to the neutral position alongside the outside hand
The rider maintains equal weight in the irons and a balanced following position which helps the rider not collapse and allows the horse to lift its back instead of hollow
Why not give each shoulder-in method a try and see which one makes most sense for you and your horse. Then remember to be consistent with your rein, leg, seat, and weight aids to improve your communication with your naturally gaited horse to smoother gaits.
My barefoot and naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse and I are showing dressage at a flat walk and running walk instead of trot.
Showing Dressage with a Gaited Horse
By Jennifer Klitzke
Yes, you can show your naturally gaited horse in dressage without trotting!
This is great news for those of us who love to show. Showing gaited dressage is growing in popularity around the USA—both english and western variations. Virtual shows allow you to compete without leaving home.
Are you interested in riding your naturally gaited horse at a dressage show but not sure what to expect? I’ve ridden my Tennessee Walking Horse and grade gaited horse at traditional schooling dressage shows for years. This video shares tips on riding a dressage test with a gaited horse.
Watch: Tips on Riding a Dressage Test with a Tennessee Walking Horse
Schooling dressage shows
Schooling dressage shows are a great way to give dressage shows a try. In this friendly environment, you’ll receive constructive feedback from an experience dressage professional on where you and your horse are at in your training—what’s working and what needs improvement. Plus, you don’t have to wear the stuffy suit or braid your horse’s main, unless you want to. Casual riding attire is the norm at schooling dressage shows. The only requirements are riding with a helmet, boots with a heal, and riding in the right equipment: legal snaffle and english saddle for tradition dressage and some western dressage allows a legal curb or snaffle and a western saddle.
Riding a naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse in virtual North American Western Dressage Association Shows.
I love riding dressage tests because they are written to help the horse develop symmetry. All movements are shown traveling clockwise and counterclockwise. Invariably, one direction is more challenging for my horse and for me as a rider. Showing dressage encourages me to face my weaknesses and address challenges I might otherwise avoid, like breaking up the left lead canter that can get pacey or break into a cross canter. (Of course, not all dressage tests require canter. The Intro level tests generally require halt, walk, and a smooth gait like flat walk.)
Showing dressage with my naturally gaited horse challenges me to become more aware of how my riding position and use of aids affect my horse. The dressage test helps me communicate more precisely through the use and timing of my hand, leg, seat, and weight aids to guide my horse through each movement at the letter. This also means preparing my horse before each transition. Each test leads my horse through a variety of gaits and postures to develop quality smooth gaits and full range of movement.
Yet by facing weaknesses, my horse becomes more supple and stronger and improves symmetry, while I become a more confident rider and our partnership grows.
Five benefits to showing gaited dressage
Introducing your horse to unfamiliar sights and sounds
Being in the spotlight, alone in the arena with the judge’s undivided attention through several minutes of your test
Confirming where you and your horse are at in your gaited dressage training by a professional judge
Receiving your test sheet with scores and remarks from the judge to know what went well and what needs work
Bragging rights if all goes well!
Showing is not a requirement to learn dressage
For me, dressage is more than riding a test at a show. It’s about continually learning to become a more educated rider; developing a balanced riding position; awareness of feel; the use and timing of my hand, leg, seat, and weight aids; how my riding position and aids effect my horse.
Gaited dressage is about seeking to declutter my mind and be present with my horse; to listen to, understand, and respond to my horse in a two-way dialogue and partnership using my voice, my hand, leg, seat, and weight aids.
Gaited dressage is a mobile communication language
Gaited dressage is how I communicate with my horse whether I show or not.
Gaited dressage is while riding at home in my arena
Gaited dressage is while riding on the trail
Gaited dressage is while sorting cows or negotiating a trail obstacle
Gaited dressage is riding a test at a show
Dressage is a versatile language
Cow sortingGymnastic jumpingTrail Riding with a Gaited HorseBareback ridingEndurance ridingTrail trialShowing Western Dressage with a Gaited HorseShowing stadium jumping over railsSchooling dressage show
I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.
Ever wonder how riding position and the communication system through the leg, seat, weight and hand aids affect the horse? How we ride our naturally gaited horse directly impacts smooth gaits for the better (or worse).
If you are searching for a more effective way to communicate with your naturally gaited horse into smooth gaits, read on…
Another way to ride to smooth gaits
By Jennifer Klitzke
I have been studying dressage for decades with non-gaited and gaited horses and have been introduced to a variety of rider positions and ways to effectively communicate with the horse through my leg, seat, rein and weight aids. Some methods are hard to understand and apply. Some methods are quite strenuous to apply and maintain. There are differing methods between German dressage and French dressage. Even within German dressage there are differences of application.
Then there is my riding recipe I have been refining from best practices of methods I have come across over the years, including the naturally gaited horse world. Yet, I know there are more applications I have not yet encountered.
Video: Rider position and effect on smooth gaits
Could there be yet another way to ride smooth gaits?
I wasn’t actually looking when I stumbled upon yet another way to ride my naturally gaited horses. In April, I was scouring Facebook for classical dressage groups. That’s when I discovered Heather Moffett is more than a fine saddle maker. I first learned of her name years ago after purchasing a secondhand Heather Moffett dressage saddle. Intrigued with her connection to classical riding, I had to learn more.
Enlightened Equitation
Turns out Heather Moffett is also a brilliant riding instructor and author. She’s been teaching her method for decades. Perhaps I had not learned of her since she is in the UK. In any case, I am thrilled how social media can connect us to people all over the world. After reviewing her website, I learned of her book, “Enlightened Equitation: Riding in True Harmony with your Horse” and her Online Classical Riding Academy. She offers a free 14-day trial (plus, it is highly affordable if I choose to join).
I gave the trial a go. Then I joined the academy because there are so many videos to learn. I also purchased her book. “Enlightened Equitation: Riding in True Harmony with your Horse” by Heather Moffett is a must-study for anyone desiring to learn a balanced riding position, what the hand, leg and seat aids are and how to effectively use and time of the aids. All of these elements directly impact the naturally gaited horse’s movement for the better. I haven’t come across a book that describes how to ride dressage with the horse in mind better than Heather’s book.
“Enlightened Equitation: Riding in True Harmony with your Horse,” by Heather Moffett
Through the video demonstrations and detailed book explanation, I am learning breakthrough applications about my riding position, effective use and timing of my leg, seat, rein and weight aids leading to quality smooth gaits. Plus, her method is rather easy to understand and apply.
I highly recommend this affordable academy and her book for anyone looking for encouraging and well-articulated demonstration videos in helping to develop an effective rider position and its effect on the horse.
I have been a student of dressage since 1988 and wish I had stumbled upon Heather Moffett’s teaching years ago. Her easy-to-understand methods have been helpful, insightful and my horses are moving better than ever in their senior years.
Makana, my 20-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse and Lady, my 20-something grade gaited horse are giving the Mullen mouth pelham bit a try―one of the ideas offered by Heather to help the horse relax the jaw.
While Makana is already relaxed in the jaw riding in a snaffle bit, the pelham has helped to improve her balance in walk, flat walk and canter, as well as leg yield, shoulder in, transitions, and rein back.
Flat walk in a shoulder fore position
Video: Following the belly sway to smooth gaits
Even more is the difference it is making with Lady who tends to hold tension in her mouth and jaw. The Mullen mouth pelham has helped her find relaxation in her mouth leading to her best quality smooth gaits.
June 2024: Riding Lady, my 20-something grade gaited horse in a Mullen mouth pelham in her smooth diagonal gait.
Video: Why follow the belly sway to a smooth gait
Ride along with us as I share thought about rider position and its effect on the naturally gaited horse.
All horses can do dressage, even gaited horses that don’t trot. The principles of dressage produce mental and physical relaxation, balance, impulsion, rhythm, connection, symmetry, and engagement. These principles develop full range of motion, quality natural gaits, and long-term soundness over time with consistent application.
Trot is not the purpose of dressage. Non-gaited horses naturally walk, trot, and canter. Gaited horses naturally walk, canter, and offer one or more smooth gaits. Dressage improves the quality of a horse’s natural gaits whether they trot, tolt, fox trot, flat walk or saddle rack.
Dressage is more than trot!
Why Dressage is More than Trot
By Jennifer Klitzke
Coming from decades of dressage riding non-gaited horses, much of my focus was a quality trot. Before buying my German warmblood in 1988, I looked at 50 prospects for the loftiest trot I could afford. The trot defined competition dressage for good scores.
In 2007 I searched for my first naturally gaited horse. This time I wasn’t searching for a lofty but the smoothest gaited horse I could afford. I fell in love with a naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse filly named Makana.
Since dressage had been the only riding method I knew, that’s how Makana was trained. I applied dressage principles to develop my naturally gaited horse’s smooth gaits like flat walk and running walk, as well as the free walk and canter.
Trot is a natural gait for non-gaited horses like warmbloods and thoroughbreds. Flat walk is a natural gait for gaited horses like Tennessee Walking Horses. Understandably there are non-gaited horse shows where walk, trot, and canter are required, just as there are naturally gaited horse shows where flat walk, running walk, and canter are required.
Showing dressage with a gaited horse
Many dressage associations, breed associations, and schooling dressage shows accommodate gaited horse entries. There are many dressage tests for gaited horses that reflect their natural smooth gaits. Trot is not a requirement.
My first dressage show on a horse that doesn’t trot. (Six years old).
In 2010 I learned of a schooling dressage show open to gaited horse entries.
Although we were the only gaited horse entry riding with non-gaited horses, we replaced flat walk for trot. I was curious what feedback my Tennessee Walking Horse would receive from a dressage judge.
The judge’s feedback affirmed the dressage principles of harmony, rhythm, connection, riding position, and the use and timing of aids. We also received great pointers to help us improve.
Thrilled my Tennessee Walking Horse and I were on the right path, I continued to bring her to more schooling dressage shows. Showing dressage with your gaited horse isn’t a requirement to learn dressage. Yet, showing dressage provides great feedback from a professional judge.
Showing my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse in flat walk at a dressage show. (Eight years old).
The purpose of dressage is not trot
Ironically, by taking my gaited horse to dressage shows is when I realized the purpose of dressage. Most of the judges we rode for had never seen flat walk before, yet this was not a stumbling block. The judges focused on the test requirements. They commented on rhythm, relaxation, balance, impulsion, connection, straightness, engagement, harmony, rider position, use and timing of aids, and the required movements and gaits of the test. Trot is not a dressage test requirement in the gaited horse dressage tests! Trot is not the purpose of dressage.
That’s when I realized Dressage is More than Trot!
How dressage improves quality smooth gait over time. Pictured is the same Tennessee Walking Horse at the age of 19.
What is the purpose of dressage?
Dressage is the training of the horse and rider to develop the horse’s full range of motion for quality gaits, long-term soundness, and a partnership of harmony. Learn more: How dressage benefits the gaited horse
Dressage teaches rider balance over the horse’s center of gravity and a set of tools to communicate with the horse. The rider learns effective use and timing of the hands, legs, seat, and weight aids to lead the horse into relaxation, balance, rhythm, forward movement without rushing, connection, flexibility and symmetry to develop straightness, and collection. Learn more: How dressage benefits the rider
When I realized I could teach my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse dressage, I dusted off my dressage books and videos and became a student all over again. Together we are developing Makana’s full range of smooth gaits on cue: free walk, medium walk, flat walk, running walk, fox trot, saddle rack, canter, counted walk and even piaffe!
That’s not all! Dressage is the language that travels beyond the arena. I bring the same communication using my hands, legs, seat and weight aids wherever we go and whatever we do: sort cows, trail obstacles, trail riding, endurance races, snow riding, and gymnastic jumping.
The same dressage I use in the arena is the same dressage I use on the trail.
Dressage has made my naturally gaited horse more maneuverable around obstacles, jumps, and sneaky cows, and she is more reliable on the trail. Plus, my naturally gaited horse has been easier on a grandma body like mine!
My naturally gaited horse enjoys moving cows more than anything!
Dressage has made all the difference in developing quality smooth gaits, and it hasn’t made my naturally gaited horse TROT.
German dressage vs. French dressage: Is dressage a sport or is dressage an art form? Is there a right way and a wrong way to “do” dressage? Is dressage only for trotting horses?
Can best practices of these differing approaches be combined for humane training and improving gaits whether horses naturally trot or flat walk?
Can German Dressage and French Dressage Co-Exist?
By Jennifer Klitzke
Years of German dressage with non-gaited horses and my ambitious competition goals collided the day I was introduced to French dressage. I had experienced the sport of dressage and now had become acquainted with the art form of dressage. They are so different. Do you have to choose one over the other or can German dressage and French dressage co-exist?
Years later I acquired a naturally smooth gaited horse. I applied dressage with a horse that doesn’t trot and began to wonder, “What is the purpose of dressage?“ Is it to produce trot? Is it to win in competitions? Is it to create art? Really?
Isn’t dressage meant to develop the rider’s skill, awareness, and feel in order to communicate with the horse through effective use and timing of rein, leg, seat and rein aids. Through this communication the rider leads the horse to produce relaxation, balance, impulsion (forward movement without rushing), rhythm, connection, symmetry, and collection?Over time and consistent communication, isn’t the purpose of dressage to develop the horse’s full range of motion and quality gaits for long term soundness? Shouldn’t dressage improve quality of gaits whether the horse naturally trots, tolts, fox trots, or flat walks? Let’s take a look.
In its essence, dressage is a French term meaning “train” as it relates to the horse and rider. Over the centuries, dressage has developed into two distinct forms: German dressage in competition for talented trotting horses and French dressage as an art form that preserves centuries-old classical training philosophies.
What about dressage for the gaited horse?
Historically German dressage and French dressage have been applied to horses that trot. United States Dressage Federation competition dressage tests require walk, trot and canter. As a whole, the institutions of German dressage and French dressage have been silent on the matter of training gaited horses in their natural smooth gaits as flat walk, fox trot, tolt, and rack.
Dressage for the gaited horse improves the full range of motion and quality naturally smooth gaits for long-term soundness. Pictured is a naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse at the age of 19.
Does this mean dressage brings no benefit to smooth gaited horses?
Thankfully, no. Since 1988, I’ve been riding, training, and competing non-gaited horses with German dressage. Then in 2010, I began successfully training and competing my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse in dressage. We rode flat walk and running walk in place of trot (Intro, Training and First Levels).
Then in 2013, I began to explore French dressage with my smooth gaited and non-gaited horses.
Both German dressage and French dressage methods benefit horses whether they trot or have natural smooth gaits. Why? Because dressage teaches the rider how to lead the horse into relaxation, balance, impulsion (forward movement without rushing), rhythm, connection, symmetry, and collection. These training elements improve the quality of movement and full range of motion in any horse whether the horse trots or has a natural smooth gait.
Dressage helps smooth gaited horses develop:
Greater mental and physical relaxation that can reduce pacing, cross cantering, and lateral canter
Smoother gaits by learning diagonalized exercises such as shoulder-in that breakup lateral gaits like the pace and step pace
Evenly timing smooth gaits with rhythm and tempo
Full range of motion to produce longer strides and engaged steps placed more under the horse’s body mass
Symmetry producing even flexibility and even stride length by both hind leg steps
Greater head and neck nod in timing with the hind leg steps in flat walk and running walk for breeds such as the Tennessee walking horse
Better balance and connection from the hindquarters, through a neutral back to the bit, and raising the wither by engaging the chest, shoulder, and abdominal muscles
What are the similarities and differences between German and French dressage?
German and French dressage have similarities. Both teach riders a way to communicate with horses through a balanced riding position and effective use and timing of rein, leg, seat, and weight aids. This communication leads the horse into developing its full range of motion and quality natural gaits through relaxation, rhythm, forward movement without rushing, connection, symmetry, and balance.
While there are similarities, German and French dressage differ in the application and timing of rider aids, training methodology, and the philosophy of purpose. Why do I ride dressage? What is the purpose for riding dressage? How is dressage applied through the rider aids?
The book, Academic Equitation by General DeCarpentry offers historical insights between the German and French school differences. Another resource is the DVD: Classical versus Classique offers a great side-by-side comparison between modern-day German and French dressage masters: German Equestrian Federation Trainer Christoph Hess and French Dressage Master Philippe Karl of the Ecole de Legerete (School of Lightness). Whether you are a German dressage or French dressage rider, or are interested in learning more about dressage, this DVD illuminates solid points worth considering.
Classical versus Classique This DVD features German Equestrian Federation Trainer Christoph Hess and French Dressage Master Philippe Karl of the Ecole de Legerete (School of Lightness). Hess and Karl respectfully discuss and demonstrate dressage from their unique philosophical viewpoints in this in-depth DVD.
Six differences between German dressage and French dressage
1. Is dressage a sport or is dressage an art form?
This is one of the biggest differences between the modern-day German dressage and French dressage schools of thought.
German Dressage
Today’s competition dressage uses a pyramid of training through the progression of levels—Introductory (beginner) through Grand Prix (Olympic level). The rider develops the horse through the stages of the dressage training pyramid as they advance through the levels.
The 2019 pyramid of training:
RHYTHM (Regularity and Tempo)
SUPPLENESS (Elasticity and Freedom from Anxiety)
CONTACT (Connection and Acceptance of the Bit through Acceptance of the Aids)
IMPULSION (Engagement and the Desire to Go Forward)
STRAIGHTNESS (Improved Alignment and Equal, Lateral Suppleness on Both Reins; Symmetry)
COLLECTION (Balance and Lightness of the Forehand from Increased Engagement)
At each level of competition, the rider and horse perform one or more dressage tests before a professional judge or judges. The horse and rider team are evaluated on how well they execute the test requirements at each letter, reflect the qualities of the dressage training pyramid, and other required test elements.
These elements include:
Submission and the horse’s willing cooperation
Harmony, attention, and confidence
Acceptance of bit and aids
Lightness of the forehand and ease of movements
The rider’s position and seat, alignment, posture, stability, weight placement, and following mechanics of the gaits
The rider’s correct and effective use of aids, clarity, subtlety, and independence
Riding a dressage test in competition has many on-the-spot performance pressures. There is even greater pressure for the horse and rider as they reach Grand Prix levels: the test must be memorized, the rider is not allowed to carry a whip or use voice, there are high levels of difficulty shown in the trot and canter including piaffe, passage, canter pirouettes, tempe changes, and extended gaits. Plus, there are many judges placed around the arena evaluating the rider and horse.
French Dressage
Preserving a centuries-old, classical dressage philosophy, French dressage is more of an art form of beauty with respect for the horse.
Without the performance pressures of competition, each riding session is a dance where the rider leads the horse into:
Harmony
Relaxation (in mind and body)
Balance
Lightness (to the hand and leg)
Forwardness
Straightness
Collection
The rider progresses the horse’s training only as the horse is ready and able.
2. Application of leg, seat, and rein aids
How do you use your leg, seat, and rein aids to communicate with your horse? The application of leg, seat, and rein aids is another big difference between German dressage and French dressage.
German dressage teaches the rider to drive the horse forward from the hindquarters using the seat and leg aids and over the back into the hands through the neck to the bit to form a back-to-front connection with the horse.
To French dressage, this is like saying, “Go forward with the legs and seat, and stop with the hands at the same time.” It’s like driving a car with one foot on the break and the other on the gas pedal. This sends a mixed message to the horse.
In contrast, French dressage separates the “go” aids (leg and seat) from the “stop” aids (the hands). “Hands without legs and legs without hands.” Coined by the late Francois Baucher in his second manner. The horse is taught to be light to the leg and light to the hand. This means leg aid on and off means “go,” not a continually driving the horse forward with seat and legs.
To be light to the hand means the rider teaches the horse to carry the weight of its head and neck instead of leaning on the rider’s hands. Any time the horse leans on the contact, the rider applies an upward motion with the hands (demi arret). This makes contact with the less sensitive corners of the horse’s lips to remind the horse to rebalance himself.
To German dressage, the French method doesn’t teach the horse connection from the hindquarters through the back to the bit. It seems like too much fussing with the hands.
3. The use of the walk or trot in training
In the German school, horses are ridden extensively at a trot on a circle with some canter and a few walk breaks. According to Hess, the trot and canter improve the quality of the walk.
To Karl there is no need to ride kilometers at the trot when training issues are best discovered and addressed at the walk. Karl begins his training at walk using exercises as shoulder-in and renvers on a small circle. Then transitions from a balanced position to a neck extension to allow the horse to stretch the top line muscles and spine.
Karl says, “The walk is the Mother of all gaits.” This certainly is true for the naturally gaited horse like Tennessee walking horses. Developing a quality four-beat walk can help develop the four-beat flat walk and running walk.
4. Upper level movements
Another contrast between modern German and French dressage schools are the piaffe and passage. German dressage believes only talented horses are able to learn piaffe and passage. These exercises are not implemented in a horse’s dressage program until the horse reaches the FEI levels.
French Dressage Master Philippe Karl believes if the dressage philosophy is good, any horse can learn piaffe and passage—not just the talented ones. Karl proves this point well in the DVD: Classical versus Classique working with an ordinary horse. Within one year of Karl’s instruction, the rider developed her draft cross to perform the piaffe, passage, Spanish walk, canter pirouettes, and tempe changes. French dressage applies suppling and strength-building exercises to develop the horse as the horse is ready.
The German system progresses in training through the dressage training pyramid and the levels of competition. When a rider reaches scores of 60% or better they are confirmed to move to the next level. This can take eight-plus years for a horse to begin canter pirouettes, tempe changes, piaffe, and passage.
French dressage offers great news for the majority of dressage riders. If you’ve ever dreamed of learning Spanish walk, piaffe, passage, canter pirouettes and tempi changes, you don’t need to buy an expensive horse. Just learn a good dressage philosophy with your horse. Watch the DVD: Classical versus Classique for an excellent demonstration of this point.
Differences between German vs French Dressage Piaffe
In the DVD: Classical versus Classique, Hess showcased a talented German demonstration rider who rode an exceptionally gifted Grand Prix dressage horse (above left). The French dressage rider rode her draft cross that had been previously used as a plow horse (above right). With Karl’s coaching, she trained her horse through Grand Prix movements in one year.
While a talented horse is able to produce stunning, Olympic quality movement, an average horse learn these movements, too. They may not be as impressive to watch, however, the exercises offer great benefits to develop the horse’s quality of movement to be the best they can be. The DVD: Classical versus Classique demonstrates this point with astonishing results.
5. Correct position of “on the bit” and why it matters
Another contrast between German dressage and French dressage is the position of “on the bit.” German dressage views “on the bit” as a vertical frame (above left). While schooling, Hess permits the horse to be ridden slightly behind the vertical to allow the horse to stretch through the back. Karl questioned why one would school a horse one way and show it another.
French dressage believes a horse is “on the bit” when the poll (between the ears) remains the highest point of the horse (above right) with the nose positioned slightly ahead of the vertical. Horses ridden behind the bit tend to overweight the shoulders and out of balance.
6. A quiet mouth or an expressive mouth
German dressage prizes a quiet mouth. Crank and flash nose bands are commonly used to keep the horse’s mouth shut. Often you will see horses with foam dripping from their mouths. German dressage considers this a sign of flexing at the poll.
French dressage permits the horse to freely express its mouth. Karl says the mobility of the lower jaw is the best judge of relaxation in the horse. French dressage believes that some foam around the horse’s lips is a sign that the horse is tasting the bit. However, when foam drips from a closed mouth, it is a sign that the horse is unable to swallow.
Eight ways German dressage and French dressage can co-exist for the training of your smooth gaited horse
1. School dressage for the art and show dressage for growth
Many riders train dressage without showing. However, schooling dressage shows offer you and your horse many benefits. They are a more relaxed opportunity to introduce your horse to the show ring. The best reason is getting feedback from a professional judge about your riding and training. Many schooling dressage shows accommodate western and gaited horse entries. Schooling shows are more affordable, and you don’t have to wear formal attire or braid your horse’s mane.
In 2010, I entered my barefoot and naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse at our first dressage schooling show. We replaced trot with flat walk.
If you enjoy showing dressage, many breed shows offer gaited dressage tests at their recognized shows. Some dressage associations offer gaited dressage categories at their recognized shows. Many virtual shows offer a gaited dressage category so you can receive feedback from a professional without even leaving home!
Showing dressage can propel continued learning for you and your gaited horse
Dressage tests are designed to confirm the horse’s training. Movements are ridden to the left and right to show that the horse is developing symmetry.
Dressage tests encourage a rider and horse to work through all of the requirements of the level, such as developing both canter leads and correcting a cross canter.
The rider also learns coordination and timing of rein, leg, seat, and weight aids as they teach their horse lateral exercises, such as shoulder-in, haunches in, shoulder out, and renver. These lateral exercises are terrific for developing a gaited horse’s balance, flexibility, connection, and symmetry. Plus, lateral exercises break up a pace and help develop a smoother gait.
Dressage shows provide feedback from a professional dressage judge
For each dressage test ridden, you will receive written feedback from a dressage judge on how well you and your horse performed the test requirements, as well as rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, collection, rider position, and use and timing of leg, hand, seat, and weight aids.
My barefoot and naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse is showing running walk across the diagonal in a First Level gaited dressage test.
The rider can bring a mindset of harmony that French dressage teaches into the showing dressage. This can build a greater partnership of trust between horse and rider.
2. Choose equipment that encourages relaxation
Relaxation is a paramount factor in dressage training. Why inhibit relaxation with uncomfortable tack?
“The mobility of the lower jaw is the best judge of relaxation,” says French Dressage Master Philippe Karl.
Choosing a comfortable bit and loose-fitting noseband can help with relaxation. Learning how to communicate with your hands is even more important in teaching a horse how to relax the mouth and lower jaw. This is especially important for the naturally gaited horse. When the horse is relaxed in the lower jaw, the horse will be more relaxed in its back. This can result in less pacing and lead to quality smooth gaits.
Equipment such as crank nose bands, tightly fitting drop nose bands, and flash attachments can lead to tension in the lower jaw.
Symptoms of tension include:
Grinding teeth
Pinning ears
A swishing tail
Rushing tempo
Braced gaits or pacing
Traveling on the forehand with collapsed chest and shoulder muscles
If you notice your horse exhibiting signs of tension, check your yourself for tension, especially your hands. Then check your equipment. An easy place to start is to loosen the nose band.
3. Separating the “stop” and “go” aids
For the naturally gaited horse, separating the leg and seat “go” aids from the rein “stop” aids are important.
Driving a gaited horse forward with the seat and leg aids into a low fixed hand can cause:
Confusion for the horse whether to move forward or stop
Reluctance to move forward
Unresponsiveness to the leg aids over time which lead to continued leg and seat aids to move the horse forward
Evading contact with the rider’s hands by dropping behind the bit or inverting above the bit
Tension in the jaw and back which can produce pacing
Following the natural head and neck motion
Just as a rider follows the natural head and neck motion of the horse at an ordinary walk, the rider needs to maintain relaxed shoulders, arms, elbows, and hands to gently follow the natural head and neck motion of the head nod at flat walk, running walk, and fox trot. In this way the naturally gaited horse remains more relaxed in the jaw and back to maintain quality smooth gaits. Riding your gaited horse two handed with contact and low fixed hands is like keeping your foot on the break while expecting your horse to move forward. It adds to the confusion, as well as produces tension.
Did you know that low, fixed hands and hands that pull back on the reins, are painful to the horse? Why? The bit presses on the horse’s tongue. Pain leads to tension and resistance through the body which can lead to more pacing. This can also cause the horse to avoid contact with the bit by tucking behind the bit.
Separating the stop and go aids and gently following the natural head and neck motion provides clearer communication to your gaited horse. Go means go and stop means stop. This leads to a horse that is lighter to the hand and lighter to the leg, and a relaxed horse that able to produce quality smooth gaits.
4. How to ride the naturally gaited horse “on-the-bit”
Both German dressage and French dressage agree that riding the horse on-the-bit isn’t a head set or pulling the horse into a frame with the reins. Riding on-the-bit is a back to front concept. It begins with forward energy from the hindquarters. That forward energy flows through horse’s body, through the rider’s following position, and to the bit.
Cue with upward motions not backward motions
Instead of pulling back on the reins which press on the horse’s tongue and cause pain, bend at the elbow and raise your hand or hands upward momentarily. This makes contact with the less sensitive corners of the horse’s lips. When the horse responds, then return to a neutral position above the wither.
Relaxation is key for the naturally gaited horse. Contact made with the corners of the lips encourage the gaited horse to relax its lower jaw, flex at the poll, and taste the bit. Relaxation of the jaw has a direct effect on the relaxation of the horse’s back. A relaxed back can promote smooth gaits.
On-the-bit position
Where the horse’s nose is positioned makes a difference. The position of the naturally gaited horse’s nose needs to be slightly ahead of the vertical through the top of the nod in order for the nose to be vertical at the downside of the nod. In doing so, the poll will remain the highest point of the horse.
Riding dressage with a smooth gaited horse requires that you ride with even steady light contact using a snaffle bit. The correct position of on-the-bit places the poll (between horse’s ears) at the highest point.
5. Develop balance before increasing tempo
French Dressage Master Philippe Karl says, “The walk is the mother of all gaits.” This is especially true for gaited horse with a natural, even four-beat gait such as the flat walk or fox trot.
The DVD: Classical versus Classique offers wonderful balancing exercises at a S-L-O-W walk and work well in the training of naturally gaited horses. Dressage develops the full range of motion. This means smaller collected steps and longer extended steps to develop quality smooth gaits. These exercises include eight-meter collected walk circles, shoulder-in, shoulder-out, haunches-in, haunches-out. These lateral exercises performed in both directions help the gaited horse develop symmetry. This will help develop evenness in stride length of both hind legs. Lateral exercises also help stretch the outside muscles for flexibility.
For the naturally gaited horse, I break up the slow balanced walk exercises with transitions to a balanced neck extension at a walk or smooth gait along the arena to stretch the top line muscles and freshen up my horse. I also take the balance of the lateral exercises into the smooth gait. I do a lot of transitions between exercises, changes of direction, changes of frames and gaits within a training session. Sometimes we are in the arena. Sometimes we are on the trail.
Most importantly, I listen to my horse and meet my horse where my horse is at.
Shoulder in
Begin with balance
By riding a naturally gaited horse in slow, yet engaged steps of shoulder-in on a circle, you allow the horse to bend its hindquarter joints, step deeper under the body, activate the abdominal muscles to lift the back to a neutral position, and engage the chest and shoulder muscles to lift the wither. This brings the naturally gaited horse into balance.
This is a great example of a neck extension at a flat walk. My smooth gaited Tennessee Walking Horse is moving forward in flat walk, lifting her back, stretching the top line with an even snaffle bit contact.
From a balanced, lateral position, the naturally gaited horse can be transitioned to a straight line with a forward tempo to extend its head and neck out (keeping the horse’s poll at the height of the wither, so that the horse maintains balance).
Think of riding your gaited horse like playing an accordion to develop its full range of motion both laterally and longitudinally.
Transitions between collected shoulder-in on a circle and neck extensions along a straight line, can help the gaited horse develop its full range of motion both laterally and longitudinally and improve the quality of natural gaits.
6. Seek to understand and meet your horse’s needs
A rider’s goals should never be at the expense of the horse. The DVD: Classical versus Classique illustrates this point well.
Rider goals and ambitions are great, as long as the horse’s needs are met. In doing so, the rider can develop a partnership of harmony with the horse that will be noticed in and out of the show ring.
7. Dressage is for all horses, not just the talented ones
Dressage does not need to be about being the best there is. Dressage can be about becoming the best you and your horse can be. Dressage improves the quality of gaits whether the horse naturally trots, tolts, fox trots, or flat walks.
Dressage won’t make an average horse a Grand Prix mover, but dressage can develop full range of motion and the best quality natural gaits a horse is able to do for long term soundness.
Philippe Karl says, if the dressage is good, it will work for all horses, not just the talented ones.
A naturally gaited horse can piaffe, too! In fact, the piaffe is a collected diagonal movement that can improve canter quality for horses with a lateral canter.
My naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse at 20 years old at a piaffe.
8. Become an educated and discerning dressage student
Not all dressage is the same
Learn German dressage and French dressage philosophies for yourself.
DVD: Classical versus Classique
Here’s an easy way to begin. Study the DVD: Classical versus Classique. This video offers in-depth discussion and application from two top dressage trainers: German Equestrian Federation Trainer Christoph Hess and French Dressage Master of Ecole de Legerete Philippe Karl. You’ll witness for yourself the contrasting philosophies of dressage so that you can make educated decisions for you and your horse.
Dressage with your gaited horse can improve your partnership by developing harmony and trust. Your gaited horse can live a sounder and happier life and produce the quality, natural smooth gaits you desire whether you show or ride as art.
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