At what point does a cue escalate to a punishment—a whisper to a shout? Think about what the horse actually learns from a punishment. Here’s an important tip.
When I learn something from someone, I make it a practice to credit my source. In this case, I thank Grand Prix dressage rider Heather Blitz for a priceless tip that has transformed my riding with my naturally gaited Walking horse, Makana.
When Heather isn’t riding, training, or competing, she travels and teaches. I have learned so much from auditing her clinics when she visits my state.
At the last clinic, Heather shared a valuable tip in reference to a horse that was reluctant to go forward. She had my full attention, because of all the horses I’ve ever ridden, Makana is by far the least ambitious to go forward. I have tried every strategy I know of. Each strategy seems to work at first, but doesn’t have lasting success, and I could never figure out why until Heather shared this valuable tip.
She said, “Never let a punishment replace a cue.” Ask politely and lightly. That’s the cue. If the horse ignores you, then ask loudly and clearly using your legs and crop if needed. That’s the punishment. DO NOT proceed after the punishment. (That’s the critically important part.) Immediately stop and ask politely and lightly again to teach the horse the whisper cue. Then immediately STOP cueing when the horse responds. (That’s the second most important part.)
Proceeding right after the punishment was the essential ingredient missing from my training. To my horse the punishment became the cue, and it didn’t take long before she just tuned me out. While I was thinking, “You lazy horse. If you would just continue moving forward, I wouldn’t have to squeeze my guts out and use my crop to make you move.” While my horse was thinking, “You, bully, no matter what I do I never seem to get it right. I wish you would stop nagging me with every step!”
Ding-dong! Now I know why new strategies never lasted very long. It wasn’t that the strategies failed. It was that I wasn’t stopping after the punishment to ask lightly and politely to train the whisper cue. Plus, I continued to nag my horse after my horse had responded. While I felt sad at the miscommunication I had caused my horse, I was elated with the key to resolve our forwardness issue.
It is vitally important to immediately stop after a punishment and ask again in a whisper. The whisper cue is the aid the horse needs to respond to. Over time the horse will move off a polite and light cue and need less loud reminders.
This training tip has made an enormous difference for me and my horse. Makana is so much more responsive thanks to Heather. I hope that by sharing my mistake will save you and your horse miscommunication and lead you to quicker success and greater harmony.
If you are fortunate enough to live near one of Heather’s upcoming clinics, I HIGHLY encourage you to audit. While she doesn’t train gaited horses, you’ll learn so much as it relates to rider bio-mechanics and the essence of good dressage training which applies equally well to the gaited horse.
No better way to discover “the feeling of right” than by riding a gaited dressage school master.
By Jennifer Klitzke
Blooming trees and sunny daffodils, friendly southern folks, and lots of gaited dressage learning experiences to apply with my naturally gaited Walking horse Makana.
March 20-22, 2015 was my third Dressage as Applied to the Gaited Horse Clinic with Jennie Jackson. Only this time I traveled to White Stables near Knoxville, Tennessee instead of hosting a clinic in my state. I thoroughly enjoyed time with my gaited dressage mentor and an early spring with daffodils and flowering trees in full bloom, plus no snow. (Well, not until I returned home!)
En route to the clinic I had to stop by and visit the legendary naturally gaited dressage stallion Champagne Watchout. Still wearing his winter fuzzies, he stood handsome for a picture!
The first two days of the clinic were held in the spacious outdoor arena where Jennie taught riders the importance of teaching their horses lateral exercises such as pivot the fore and leg yield.
It is easiest to teach lateral exercises to the gaited horses in hand before applying them from the saddle.
Both leg yield and pivot the fore are helpful in relaxing the horse’s back and break up pace to establish a natural four beat gait. The pivot on the fore is a great exercise to teach riders the coordination of inside calf to outside indirect rein which relate with the horse’s inside hind leg as it steps beneath its body and neck, shoulder, and outside fore. Once each horse and rider understood these exercises in hand, they mounted up and applied the exercises from the saddle.
By day two every horse and rider were catching on wonderfully to these new exercises. Then Jennie proceeded to coach them to establish forwardness, rhythm, relaxation, and depth of stride in medium walk and gait. Each time the horse began to pace or stiffen, Jennie asked the rider to turn the horse into the fence and leg yield until the natural four beat gait returned.
Leg yield breaks up pace to restore a natural four beat gait.
The more advanced dressage riders worked on canter departs from a shoulder fore position, as well as breaking up stiffness at a flat walk (or trot) using shoulder in and haunches in. (I say “trot” because there were a few non-gaited horses at this clinic in addition to us gaited folk.)
This dressage rider brought her fiance’s three-year-old TWH filly and got established in flat walk, running walk, rack and canter by day two!
On the second day Jennie demonstrated canter and counter canter; showed the difference between flat walk and running walk; demonstrated how shoulder in, haunches in, shoulder out, and haunches out at a flat walk break up tension and stiffness within the horse to make them soft and supple; and she showed us ways to lengthen the gaited horse’s depth of stride.
Contrary to popular belief, cantering the gaited horse actually improves the four beat gait while lateral exercises improve relaxation and suppleness.
Video: Jennie Jackson demonstrates cantering the gaited horse
Video: Jennie Jackson demonstrates how lateral exercises supple the gaited horse and improve depth of stride in the flat walk
The third day our group headed out to the trails to enjoy the beautiful 135 wooded acres surrounding White Stables.
Gaited horses and trotting horses riding together on a trail ride—who said it can’t be done!
What a great group of people I met in Tennessee. I couldn’t help but giggle at your friendly Southern accents, yet ya’all kept insisting that I was the one with the Minnes-O-ta accent!
Thank you to White Stables for opening your beautiful facility to host the clinic. Thank you to Ronance for lending your exquisite gaited dressage school master to me, and thank you to Mary and Sydney for taking photos of me while I rode.
For Jennie Jackson’s Clinic schedule or to book a clinic in your area, connect with Jennie on Facebook at Jennie Jackson Dressage en Gaite.
There’s more to riding than a horse than being a passenger or learning a set of cues. Here’s my journey to developing trust and a safer ride.
A Trusted Leader
By Jennifer Klitzke
Let the horse know you’re the boss. Did you grow up with this paradigm? I did. This understanding accompanied crude cues as “kick to go” and “pull to stop.”
My riding experiences early on had been the long-awaited annual birthday trail rides at a local horse rental establishment. Mom believed I’d outgrow this horse madness someday. It only grew stronger as the candles grew brighter on my cake.
Upon graduating and getting my first career job, I saved enough money to purchase my first horse in 1988, an off-the-track thoroughbred, named Seasons. Not long thereafter a fellow boarder gently asked me, “Who are you going to take lessons from?”
My first horse, an off-the-track-thoroughbred mare named Seasons.
“Lessons?” I replied, “Why take lessons now that I own a horse!?”
Ignorantly I thought lessons were for horseless people looking for an opportunity to ride—not for horse owners desiring a more effective way to communicate with their horse. Adding to this, I thought there were two kinds of riding, English or western, defined by the saddle style you chose. (Wowzers, did I have a lot to learn!)
This kindhearted boarder invited me to watch a nearby dressage show. “Dressage? What is that?” Curious, I had to find out.
An Introduction to Dressage
We arrived at Brightonwood Farm just as Kathy Theisen entered the arena on a majestic Morgan named Bullwinkle. The music began and the duo danced as one to the rhythm of a waltz, skipping along the diagonal in flying tempe changes and floating across the arena at an extended trot. Kathy rode with an effortless finesse. No “kick to go” or “pull to stop.” In fact, I didn’t even see her cues. It was as if Bullwinkle read her mind! Adding to this was Kathy’s genuine smile emanating an unspeakable joy as she rode through this dynamic dance. This was my introduction to dressage.
Kathy Theisen and Bullwinkle.
No wonder my boarder friend asked me about lessons—no joke, I needed them!
Even more than learning a set of communication tools, I wanted to learn how to have a relationship with my horse like Kathy had with her Bullwinkle.
Back in 1988, the German form of dressage predominated my region, so I learned how to become a more technically correct dressage rider for the show ring.
Fear Meets French Dressage
After a few unexpected falls, I became a nervous and reactive rider, always on guard for the “what if.” Unknowingly, my fear transmitted insecurity to my horse and a lack of trust. My horse’s response further triggered more fear in me. So, I controlled my environment by riding in an indoor arena with few distractions for self-preservations sake. Technically correct but far from the pure joy and dance duo of Kathy and Bullwinkle.
A few years later Dominique Barbier, a French classical dressage clinician began traveling to my region. He demonstrated a similar oneness with the horses he rode. His joyful, harmonious human-horse partnership re-inspired me. This had been lacking from my technically correct and controlled regimen.
I took my horse to a few of Dominique’s clinics. He called out my reactive riding and explained the importance of riding for the horse’s sake by visualizing a plan. Providing a direction. Being the leader of our dance partnership instead of letting fear drive our dance. It was a turning point to becoming a trusted leader.
Cowboys are Skilled Riders, too
While becoming a more technically correct dressage rider, I held an arrogant belief that only dressage riders practiced the skill of riding. Cowboys did not. That was until my friend Judy invited me to watch Pat Parelli. He introduced the philosophy of natural horsemanship. During his symposium, Pat rode his horse alongside a black stallion who was at liberty and mimicked each movement Pat’s his mount performed as he rode. I left his natural horsemanship event deeply inspired and awestruck with what is possible in partnership with a horse! Kathy and Bullwinkle, Dominique and now Pat.
No matter how many 20-meter circles I perfect or how technically correct my riding position may become, it has not brought about the dance partnership and harmonious joy I sought. Something needed to change and that begins with me.
Gaited Horses meet French Dressage
In 2008 I became acquainted with the work of Larry Whitesell who combines French classical dressage with natural horsemanship for gaited horses. In fact, I was interested to learn that his turning point came about when he studied under Dominique Barbier.
I’ve participated at several of Larry’s 3-day clinics and a 5-day clinic, have studied his DVDs, and audited many more of his clinics when he came to my region. His unique riding philosophy is based upon French dressage, years of showing and training gaited horses, and understanding how the horse thinks and relates with its rider. He teaches riders the horse’s need for safety and to lead the horse into relaxation and balance.
Larry says, “Don’t teach the horse what NOT to do. Teach the horse what TO do.”
Instead of punishing the horse for making a mistake, he redirects the horse to find balance and relaxation. This way the horse’s need for security will be satisfied, and the horse will better trust the rider as a reliable leader. This translates into less spooks, bolts, bucks, buddy sourness, and rears. The more a horse can depend upon a rider for security, the more the rider can trust the horse on the trail. It’s a win-win partnership.
Jennifer and her 6-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse at a clinic with Larry Whitesell teaching us lateral exercises.
Larry propelled me into becoming a trusted leader. He also pointed me into further study of classical French dressage masters as the late Jean Claude Racinet and Philippe Karl.
A Journey of Thanks
I am thankful for the years of study in how to become a more technically correct rider. It was an excellent place to start and certainly better than “kick to go” and “pull to stop.” Yet my zeal for more pressed on. I wanted the relationship Kathy had with Bullwinkle waltzing along the diagonal; the harmonious human-horse partnership Dominique has with horses; the inspiring connection Pat Parelli has with a horse at liberty while riding another; and becoming a trusted leader like Larry is with his horses.
I am thankful to the kindhearted boarder who showed me that lessons are for horse owners, too. I am thankful to Kathy and Bullwinkle who awakened me to dressage as a dance partnership of harmony and joy. I am thankful to Dominique who confronted my reactionary riding fears and taught me to visualize a plan for my horse’s sake. I am thankful to Pat who inspired me with natural horsemanship and humbled my arrogance that there is more than one way to ride with skill. Indeed, cowboys can gifted riders, too. I am thankful to Larry who taught me how to lead my horse into balance and relaxation and point me toward the study of French dressage with my naturally gaited horses.
And thanks to God for giving me the courage to face my fears, new perspectives, and for providing these people and many others who have shown me the way to becoming a trusted leader.
I am still a work in progress, but far from the reactionary rider of my past, and closer to my aspiration of a Kathy and Bullwinkle dance duo.
I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.
Did you know that there is more than one rider position? Did you know that rider position has an effect on the horse and smooth gait? Did you know that rider position can place you in a more secure position to help you confidently ride through spooks?
Rider Position and its Effect on the Gaited Horse
By Jennifer Klitzke
Since 1988, I’ve taken hundreds of dressage lessons, ridden at dressage clinics, read many books, and watched dozens of dressage videos. When it comes to rider position, there are a variety of methods.
Comparing Rider Positions
The rider position I first learned teaches an ear, hip, and heel alignment and balance by loosely following the horse’s movement. This position focuses on growing tall with the upper body while stretching the legs long and pressing the heel down into the iron. It gives the rider a straight leg feeling. The rider’s seat focuses on the three seat bones. While riding, there is a feeling of leaning back with the upper body, especially at the sitting trot.
Jennifer Klitzke riding her Spanish Mustang at a Mary Wanless Clinic and getting established in the A,B,Cs of riding bio-mechanics.
I learned another rider position when I rode at a Mary Wanless rider bio-mechanics clinic. She teaches balance through stillness made through the isokinetic bearing down of the core muscles and sealing the thighs and knees against the saddle. The rider’s seat includes the knees, thighs and seat bones where the majority of the rider’s weight is held in thighs and not pressed down into the heel. Instead, the toe lightly rests in the iron. This rider position also teaches an ear, hip, heel alignment, but with a 90-degree bend at the knee between the hip and heel instead of the straight leg. Instead of a leaning back feeling, there is a pressing forward feeling from the sternum as if resisting someone’s push.
Mary’s theories have been developed through her education in physics, biomechanics, riding dressage through the upper levels, and studying the best dressage riders of her time. She’s coached top riders such as long-time student and successful Grand Prix rider Heather Blitz.
Mary has a knack for putting words to how talented dressage riders ride. Even though I have been a book and video student for decades, it wasn’t until experiencing this clinic where her rider position and biomechanics really clicked.
Eleven steps to a more secure rider position that benefits the horse and smooth gaits
Stirrup length: Adjust the stirrups to a 90-degree bend in the knee. At first it might feel too short.
External alignment: While sitting on the horse just behind the wither, align the ear, hip, and heel.
Thigh and knee position: Then rotate the thighs inward so that the thighs and knees seal to the saddle. This helps distribute the rider’s weight along the horse’s back instead of resting on the spine. When the horse is comfortable, the horse moves smoother.
Toe in iron: The toes lightly rest in the irons.
Rotate tailbone: Next, rotate the tail bone forward as if drawing it between the thighs. This flattens the lower back.
Position in motion: In the rider position, ask the horse to walk. In each walk step feel one hip slightly rotate forward with the horse’s movement and then the other.
Bear down: While at a walk, add what Mary refers to as “bear down.” This engages the core and lowers the center of gravity for more stability in the saddle. Mary describes it as, “sucking in your stomach and pushing your guts against it.”
Seat bones: Then become aware of the three seat bones and lower them evenly to the saddle.
Breathing: Adding to bearing down and lowering the seat bones to the saddle, breath deep as if the lungs fill up the stomach.
Resisting the push: Next, imagine someone pushing against your sternum as you resist the push. This further engages the core. Another concept is to imagine someone pushing against your hands as you hold the reins. This concept helps you riding forward with the horse instead hold the horse back with the hands.
Awareness of sitting surface: Finally, become aware of the full sitting surface: the lowering of the core and seat bones closer to the saddle for stability, the knees and thighs lightly holding the rider’s body weight along the saddle.
Rider Position and its Effect on the Horse
While Mary teaches this rider position to those with non-gaited horses, I’ve found that this rider position has worked well with my naturally gaited horses. Each time I align my position, lower my core, and distribute my weight through my thighs, my horses immediately lift their back, wither and shoulder, and move more naturally forward without prompting on my part. And best of all, their gaits are smoother.
This riding position has shown me how my rider position directly affects my horse. When I am riding in alignment and correctly positioned, my horse need less fixing and my horses move more comfortably forward. Each time my old habits creep back, my horses let me know by dropping their back and getting tense which reminds me to reposition myself.
A Secure Rider Position
When comparing my former riding position to the one Mary taught me, Mary’s rider position is more stable and secure. I notice that the angle my knees and thighs have to the back of my seat offer more stability when compared to a straight leg. Plus, by lowering my center of gravity closer to the saddle while holding my knees and thighs lightly along the saddle provides more security than when my upper body grew tall. Each time I ride through an unexpected spook, Mary’s rider position keeps me in place which builds my confidence. When I have confidence, it is easier to be relaxed which helps my horse relax.
Yes, there is more than one way to ride a horse. After 25 years of riding one way, I’m sure glad that I gave Mary’s rider position a try. It has made me a more effective, aware and confident rider which has translated into becoming a more trusted leader to my horse.
Visit: mary-wanless.com for educational videos, published stories, books and DVDs. You can even become a cyber student and find where she is teaching world wide near you.
Love to give dressage a shot, but wouldn’t be caught dead riding in an English saddle? Long to show your gaited horse in dressage but there aren’t any shows in your area? Just want to get feedback from a professional as to where you are at in your dressage training with your gaited horse but have no interest in showing before a crowd? Have a desire to compete but can’t afford the cost of showing? Well, here’s super exciting news for you!
How to show gaited dressage without leaving home
Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) and North American Western Dressage (NAWD) have recently formed an alliance partnership. Both organization hold common ground in fostering the mental and physical well being of horses for lifetime soundness. NAWD has developed a platform for Virtual Schooling Shows where you can record your dressage test from your own backyard. Then upload your video for critique by a professional judge where you’ll receive feedback on where you are at in your training. Here’s the exciting part: This Virtual Schooling Show platform has been expanded to include GAITED horses under a category “Gaits Wide Open.”
Last year, FOSH introduced a Gaited Dressage program for live showing where you submit copies of your tests at the end of the year for awards. In addition to the Traditional live show category, FOSH has expanded the Gaited Dressage program to include a “Virtual” category using the NAWD Virtual Schooling Show “Gaits Wide Open” platform. The FOSH Gaited Dressage rules apply to both the Traditional and Virtual categories. Each category will be awarded separately, yet you may choose to participate in both. The FOSH Virtual Schooling Show “Gaits Wide Open”category is open to Western (and English) gaited dressage using any of the tests included in the FOSH Independent Judges Association Manual for Gaited Dressage (pdf). All Virtual Gaited Dressage tests will be judged by licensed IJA dressage judges.
This exciting collaboration between FOSH and NAWD allows for inclusive competition with other gaited horse and rider teams worldwide without ever leaving your backyard!
For more information about the FOSH Gaited Dressage Program, visit Friends of Sound Horses Gaited Dressage Program.
For more information about the NAWD Virtual Schooling Shows, visit North American Western Association Virtual Schooling Shows.
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