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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.

Naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse flat walk — 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.

German vs French Dressage in Piaffe — 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.

Gaited Dressage: Training Level — 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.

Naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse shown at a running walk in a First Level dressage test for the gaited horse. — 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.

Tennessee walking horse flat walk with contact — 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.

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.

Piaffe by a 20-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse — 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.

Classical vs Classique — 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.

Learn more: Dressage for the Gaited Horse

Sign up for the Naturally Gaited Horse eNewsletter and learn more about how dressage improves quality smooth gaits

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

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Gaited Horse Training

I Bought A Gaited Horse, Why Doesn’t It Have A Smooth Gait?

February 1, 2024 Jennifer Klitzke

Did you buy a gaited horse and wonder why it paces, has a hard trot or doesn’t stay in a smooth gait consistently? I did.
Here’s my story…

I bought a gaited horse, why doesn’t it have a smooth gait?

By Jennifer Klitzke

Does a gaited horse need special shoes or does a farrier need to trim a gaited horse at special hoof angles for a smooth gait? Do you need a certain bit or a gaited saddle? Does a gaited horse a professional trainer to make the horse smooth?

Smooth gaits are genetic to gaited horse breeds, such as the Tennessee walking horse, Foxtrotter, Paso Fino, Rocky Mountain, Icelandic, among others. Each gaited horse breed has a unique set of natural smooth gaits as the flat walk, running walk, fox walk, fox trot, largo, saddle rack, tolt, to name a few.

I watched people riding these smooth breeds. They aren’t bouncing. They are smiling at the end of a trail ride. Their bodies aren’t paying for it later. Ecstatic, I exclaim, “I gotta get myself one of those smooth gaited horses!” What say you?

Here’s my story to a smooth gait

Me, I had thirty years dressage riding and training the walk-trot-canter horses. Smooth gaits like flat walk, running walk, fox trot, tolt and saddle rack were just as foreign to me as head nodding, ear flopping, and teeth clicking.

All I knew is my youthful mind grew into a grandma body. I didn’t want to give up riding. I just I wanted a smoother horse to ride.

How to train a naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse

Makana, my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse filly.

In 2007 I acquired my first smooth gaited filly, a three-year-old, naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse with 20 rides on her when she became mine.

Dressage had been the only form of riding I knew. Yet, the competition world told me dressage is ONLY for horses that trot. Gaited horse owners said dressage would MAKE my gaited horse trot. Others said dressage would RUIN my horse’s natural smooth gaits.

Okay, so how do I train my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse?

I looked for books and scoured YouTube for videos about training Tennessee Walking Horses. Then I came across videos showing the horses moving in exaggerated and unnatural ways. Wondering why, I noticed the horses’ long toes strapped with thick pads and big shoes. Chains clanging around their ankles. The riders sat back on the horses’ loins and hunched forward. They wore long spurs and drove their horses forward into two-handed contact with big shank bits. The horses’ expressions looked tense and distressed.

This wasn’t the training I grew up with. If this is how Tennessee Walking Horses are trained, I would have NO part of it! Dressage is all my barefoot Tennessee Walking Horse would know.

That’s when I set out to discover “dressage is more than trot.”

If this is how Tennessee Walking Horses are trained, I would have NO part of it! Dressage is all my barefoot Tennessee Walking Horse would know.
That’s when I set out to discover “dressage is more than trot.”

Dressage is humane. (At least the dressage I have been taught). Dressage instructs the rider into a balanced position over the horse’s center of gravity. The rider learns how to communicate with the horse by effective use and timing of rein, leg, seat and weight aids. The rider learns how to teach the horse how to accept and follow contact with a mild snaffle bit.

Decades of dressage lessons, study and application had taught me the benefits dressage brings the non-horse. No unnatural hoof angles, long toes, big shoes, thick pads or ankle chains are ever worn. Riders never wear long spurs or harsh bits.

Dressage teaches the rider how to lead the horse into mental and physical relaxation, balance, rhythm (even tempo and strides), forward movement without rushing, connection, symmetry (even flexibility), and collection (engagement). Through kind and humane training over time, dressage develops the horse’s full range of motion for quality gaits, long-term soundness, and a partnership of harmony between the horse and rider.

Just because my Tennessee Walking Horse doesn’t naturally trot, why couldn’t we glean the benefits of dressage to develop her smooth gaits?

We set out on a mission to find out.

How to train smooth gaits on cue

It didn’t take long to realize my young gaited horse had ALL of the gears: walk, trot, canter, flat walk, pace, step pace, saddle rack, and fox trot. If I would be training her, it was my job to discover what each gait felt and sounded like and put cues to the ones I desire.

Easy? No, but the journey has been rewarding!

Watch: How dressage improves smooth gait

This video captures our first few years of training.

Our process to quality smooth gaits

Since my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse was only three years old, we walked a lot for the first summer season. If she had been older than three, I may have introduced brief transitions to a smooth gait sooner.

We began at a free walk on a long rein (with a light contact). This began a good pattern of developing an even four-beat muscle memory. I was fortunate Makana had a natural four beat walk. Many Tennessee Walking Horses don’t. Instead, they pace instead of walk. If that had been the case, we would have introduced walking over rails and working in hand exercises at a shoulder in to diagonalize the step sequence.

At the free walk, I encouraged mental and physical relaxation and forward moving steps without rushing. This encouraged L-O-N-G, ground-covering steps. Rushing the tempo only shortens the steps and tends to create tension in the horse. I encouraged her to take the bit down and forward in a neutral position. This helped stretch her top line muscles which is especially important for long-term soundness.

Makana at three — 2007: Here’s my three-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse. We began our training with a relaxed and forward moving free walk on a long rein. This quality walk helps develop an even four-beat muscle memory and longer strides.

I rode Makana five-six days a week for 30 minutes each time. Three days of riding in a row followed by a day off helped her progress in her training and strength.

Video: Tips to Longer Strides and Smoother Gaits

My naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse at 19 years old.

The aids of communication

Dressage teaches the rider how to communicate with the horse through leg, seat, weight and rein aids. Coming from the dressage world, snaffle bits are all I know to develop a means of communicating with the horse’s mouth, lower jaw, and poll. It is important to develop a positive relationship with my hands and the horse’s mouth so the horse learns bit acceptance and a willingness to follow the contact with a relaxed mouth, jaw and poll.

If the horse becomes defensive in the mouth from a harsh bit or rough hands, the horse learns self-protective measures and bit avoidance. This leads to tension and stiff pacey movement for the naturally gaited horse.

Gaited horses are often ridden in curb bits with two-handed contact and a low, fixed hand position. Many look stiff and tense and are pacing or step pacing. Early on, we gave rail class a try, and that’s what we experienced riding two-handed with a curb (as pictured). I wonder if gaited horses develop a habit of pacing when trained this way.

pace riding two handed with curb contact

I wonder if gaited horses develop a habit of pacing when ridden in curb bits with two-handed contact and a low fixed hand position.

If riding with two-handed curb bit contact creates tension, it makes it difficult to teach the horse bit acceptance and relaxation. When horses are not comfortable with the bit or low, fixed hands, they find ways to avoid the contact: drawing their nose behind or above the vertical, fighting the bit, running away, flipping their tongue over the bit, and locking their jaw. Any of these pain reactions create tension through the horse’s body leading to pacing (as seen in the photo above).

Video: Rider Position and Effect on Smooth Gait

Relaxation is key to developing smooth gaits

Relaxation doesn’t mean sleepy and dull. Relaxation means the absence of body tension and pain and freedom of mental anxiety. Relaxation is key to developing smooth gaits.

Mental and physical relaxation is key. Relaxation doesn’t mean boring our horses with monotony. Relaxation means the absence of body pain and tension and freedom of mental anxiety. Relaxation is key to developing smooth gaits.

Since we were not producing smooth gaits in a state of tension, I stopped riding in a curb bit with two-handed contact and returned to a mild snaffle bit.

I began teaching Makana how to accept a light, gentle contact with a mild snaffle bit. At the same time, I needed to follow her natural head and neck motion with relaxed arms, hands, and fingers. My hands are an important part of dressage communication and trust. If I hold tension in my shoulders, with locked elbows and fists, it will communicate tension to my horse.

Learn more: How to introduce a gaited horse to a snaffle bit

My naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse became more teachable when her mind was free from anxiety. She paid more attention to me and less attention to the distractions around her. Then her body began to relax. When my gaited horse found mental and physical relaxation, smoother gaits started to form, and she became more comfortable to ride.

Cues to the free walk

A split second before I request my horse to move from a halt to a walk, I draw both hands forward slightly to allow space for my horse to move forward into without feeling boxed in by the bit
A split second later, say the word, “walk” and I make a “cluck” sound
If there is no response to a walk, I squeeze and release my lower calves at the girth while urging my seat forward
If still no response, I follow it up with a light tap of the whip behind the girth and a “cluck” sound
When my horse steps forward into the walk, then I reconnect my following contact with my reins
I also notice the side-to-side belly sway and follow (not drive) this motion with each hip joint and my lower back

Leg yield exercises

Leg yields are a great exercise to teach at a walk. This exercise helps the rider coordinate the use and timing of rein, seat and leg aids as the horse moves and it teaches the horse to move away from the rider’s leg pressure while remaining straight in the body by the reins.

Leg yields can be applied along the fence, from the quarter line or center line to the fence or zig zag from quarter line to quarter line.

Leg yields from the quarter line to the fence:

I positioned my horse straight at the quarter line of the arena
encouraged her forward with both calves and release
Then I applied my inside calf at the girth as my horse’s hind leg is about to leave the ground to urge her to step that hind leg under her belly and move forward and slightly at an angle toward the fence

Video: Leg Yield Exercise

Introducing steps of smooth gait

When I began to transition my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse from a relaxed free walk into a few consecutive steps of flat walk, sometimes we had a couple steps of a variety of gaits: flat walk, step pace, pace, saddle rack, fox trot, and a mystery gait with quick small smooth scampering steps.

We’d slow down to a relaxed walk, and I’d ask for a flat walk again. As soon as she took three or four consecutive steps, it was important to stop and reward her before she switched to another gait. Over time, she gained more strength and balance to maintain more consecutive steps of flat walk.

My filly broke into another gait because she lacked the strength or fell out of balance.

When I rode non-gaited horses, there was a clear difference between a walk, trot and canter. The hardest part was discerning the level of quality within each gait.

The hardest part about riding a young, green Tennessee Walking Horse is discerning one smooth gait from another. Smooth feels smooth. How do I decipher one smooth gait from another? This takes time to develop through what I feel, hear and notice. Some smooth gaits have an up and down head nod like the flat walk, running walk, and fox trot.

Some smooth gaits do not have a head nod like the saddle rack. Some smooth gaits like the rack, the head moves side to side instead of up and down.

Adding to this, the flat-footed walk has an up and down head and neck nod that appears much like a flat walk, but this gait is not smooth. There is a lot of motion for the rider to follow with their lower back and hip joints. The flat walk is smooth with no motion for the rider to follow with their lower back and hip joints.

Another smooth gait with an up and down head and neck nod is the canter. Faults to the canter are the four-beat canter which is smooth, the cross canter (hind legs on the opposite lead from the front legs) and pace (lateral) canter. Both the cross canter and pace canter are not smooth. Other jarring gaits I encountered during our training include the hard trot and hard pace. Neither have a head nod.

Rewarding every few steps of smooth gait

For those of us DIY riders, it takes patience, understanding, time, and consistency to train a young, green naturally gaited horse to develop smooth gaits. Discovering how many consecutive steps of smooth flat walk my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse was capable of before losing balance or strength became helpful. Then I would stop to reward her before she broke into another gait. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.

Over time, with patience, my smooth gaited Tennessee Walking Horse took more and more consecutive steps of flat walk as she grew stronger.

Once my Tennessee Walking Horse developed the strength and balance to maintain more consecutive steps in the flat walk, I asked for more ground covering strides and tempo to develop the running walk. Then I asked for transitions from flat walk into a few steps of running walk on a straight line.

Canter improves smooth gait

At the end of the second summer, Makana was four years old. By this time we had developed flat walk and running walk on cue. Now it was time to introduce canter on cue.

Canter became my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse’s most challenging gait to develop. I’ve learned this is common among gaited horses. We wrestled with a lateral pace canter, a four-beat canter, a cross canter, and the wrong lead altogether, before we finally achieved a three-beat canter. This took time and practice. Makana’s left lead canter was easier to than her right lead. Most horses are asymmetrical, so one lead is normally easier than the other.

Mental and physical relaxation are important for canter. Many times canter excites the horse which can rattle a nervous rider. Using ground rails are helpful for the horse to take the correct lead.

Good information about cantering the gaited horse:
Breaking Pace & Cross Canter Using Trot & Ground Rails

Once Makana understood the canter cues, I used transitions from halt, rein back, and walk to canter on a large circle. Anytime the canter felt four-beat, we would ride canter along the rail of the arena and increased the tempo to achieve a three-beat canter.

2010 Makanas Canter — 2010: Riding at our first dressage show on a horse that didn’t trot.

When Makana was reliably taking either canter lead on cue, I began our riding sessions with canter, because it improved the quality of her flat walk. Canter was a great stretching and warm up exercise for her.

Improving smooth gait quality on cue

When my Tennessee Walking Horse turned five years old, we began to develop quality smooth gaits on cue. Quality smooth gaits include relaxation of mind and body, a consistent rhythm in foot falls, a head nod in timing with the hind leg steps, evenness of strides traveling both directions, forward movement without rushing, and developing maximum depth of stride in flat walk and running walk.

Developing quality smooth gaits on cue is a journey of consistent training and progress over time.
2015: Showing dressage with my Tennessee walking horse, Makana.

2021 Makana flat walk on a long rein in balance and self carriage — 2021: My naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Makana. We are riding bareback in her smooth gait, an even four-beat flat walk riding on a loose rein in balance and self-carriage.

In 2021, Makana turned 17. My naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse is well established in each quality smooth gait on cue: flat walk, running walk, flat-footed walk, saddle rack, and canter. Natural Smooth Gaits

Six helpful resources to develop a consistent smooth gait

1. Study books and videos demonstrating and explaining a natural smooth gait

Today, there are more resources available in training naturally gaited horses. One of my favorite books in learning smooth gaits as flat walk, fox trot, running walk, and saddle rack is, “Easy-Gaited Horses” by the late Lee Ziegler. This book describes how the smooth gaits sound and feel.

The Naturally Gaited website offers videos in regular and slow motion: Natural Smooth Gaits and the Naturally Gaited Horse YouTube channel offers many how-to videos. Subscribe to be prompted for new videos being created regularly.

2. Breaking pace to develop a smooth gait

Some gaited horses are born more on the lateral side and pace can be their go-to gait. The best way to help a pacey gaited horse find a smooth gait is to help them find relaxation in mind and body, teach them bit acceptance and exercises that diagonalize the foot falls.

Here are a few great articles to break pace and develop a smooth gait:

Relaxation Improves Smooth Gait

Pace & the Naturally Gaited Horse

Breaking Pace & Cross Canter Using Trot & Ground Rails

3. Get good coaching from gaited dressage and gaited horsemanship instructors to develop smooth gait

I’ve been fortunately to get great coaching from gaited dressage instructors Jennie Jackson, Jennifer Bauer, and Larry Whitesell who traveled to my region. Jennie Jackson’s gaited dressage coaching has helped me establish connection and forwardness to improve quality smooth gaits on cue. Lessons with Jennie have helped me develop the feeling of right to better discern the quality of each smooth gait.

naturallygaited-Jennie-Jackson-dressage=as=applied-to-the-gaited-horse-clinic — Riding at a Jennie Jackson Dressage as Applied to the Gaited Horse Clinic.

Jennifer Bauer and Larry Whitesell have helped me learn a natural and humane training philosophy which is based on classical French dressage. This method has helped me become a trusted leader in my partnership with my Tennessee Walking Horse and lead Makana into relaxation and balance.

Jennifer Klitzke riding at a Larry Whitesell gaited horsemanship clinic — Larry Whitesell demonstrating and explaining shoulder-in with me and Makana.

4. Professional training for the horse (and rider) for a smooth gait

Some people send their gaited horse to a professional trainer to develop a smooth gait. Then the horse comes home, and they wonder why the horse offers a smooth gait for the trainer and not for them.

Professional training is a great investment, as long as you learn how to ride your gaited horse in the same manner it was trained to achieve the same results. This way you and your smooth gaited horse will speak the same smooth gaiting language. Learning to ride well takes time to develop—especially if dressage is your language of choice.

It is the rider’s sense of feel, balanced riding position, and use and timing of aids (leg, weight, seat and rein aids) that communicate with the horse and indicate which smooth gait to perform. This is why it is important for the rider to develop the same skillset from the trainer who taught the horse to gait.

5. Record your riding to confirm your smooth gait

I like to capture video when I ride my gaited horse. Videos help me see what I felt from the saddle during my ride. There are a few affordable robotic cameras on the market, such as Pivo a that work with smart phones. Otherwise, you can set your Smart phone or video camera on a tripod to capture glimpses of your ride. (Unless you are fortunate to have a willing friend to record your rides.)

Throughout my ride, I like to comment about how moments feel on the video. This helps me confirm whether or not what I watch matches what I felt at that moment. I’ve uploaded hundreds of my videos on the Naturally Gaited You Tube channel. If you like what you see, please subscribing to the channel. Then you’ll be prompted for the next video when it is uploaded.

flat walk — How dressage improves quality smooth gait over time. (Makana age 19.)

6. Enter your gaited horse in schooling dressage shows

Aside from lessons and clinics, my next favorite way to get feedback from a professional, is by entering my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse in schooling dressage shows. These friendly and casual shows are a great way to get written feedback on the qualities of our training: relaxation, balance, rhythm, connection, forward movement without rushing, quality gaits, execution of the test requirements, my riding position, and the use and timing of my aids. The judge will provide comments on the score sheet. This helps me know what to work on when we get home. I find this feedback priceless.

When I learn of a schooling dressage show in my area, I contact the show manager and ask if I can enter my gaited horse using a National Walking Horse of America (NWHA) or Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) gaited dressage test. Then I send my tests with the entry form.

Dressage is more than trot

Since 2007, I have learned from personal experience, trot is not required to gain the benefits of dressage. Dressage does not MAKE the smooth gaited horse trot. Dressage does not ruin the natural smooth gaits. In fact, dressage actually improves the quality of smooth gaits on cue. Indeed, dressage is more than trot!

naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse in a piaffe — My naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse at 20 years old at a piaffe.

If your gaited horse doesn’t have a smooth gait, now you have a few new ideas to try and reclaim your SMOOTH! None of them require a special bit or saddle, special shoes or hoof angles.

Sign up for the Naturally Gaited Horse eNewsletter and learn more about how dressage improves quality smooth gaits

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

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Dressage for the Gaited Horse

Research Proves Chest Muscles Key for Balance & Collection

January 15, 2024 Jennifer Klitzke

Research proves importance of developing the chest muscles for balance and collection

Research by Dr. Hilary Clayton proves the chest muscles are a key to balance and collection. What does this mean for the naturally gaited horse?

Research Proves the Importance of the Chest Muscles for Balance & Collection

By Jennifer Klitzke

The article: Equine Biomechanics Research the Significance of a Horses Chest Sling Muscles has opened my eyes of awareness! This research by highly credentialed veterinarian Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, DACVSMR, FRCVS spans over 40 years of collecting data on gait analysis for dressage horses, most recently in the McPhail Equine Performance Center at Michigan State University where she conducted studies to evaluate a horse’s body during collection.

Dr. Clayton is not only an accomplished research veterinarian. She knows the how’s and why’s of collection and balance from the inside out. Dr. Clayton is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist, which requires showing through the Grand Prix level.

“I’ve been studying equine biomechanics for over 40 years,” said Dr. Clayton. “And I am convinced that understanding the action of the horse’s sling muscles and the role of the forelimbs are crucial to understanding the mechanics of self-carriage in the dressage horse.”

Awakening to the Biomechanics of Balance

I dreamed of owning a horse from the time I was three. Then in 1988, when my career could support a horse, I became the proud owner of a five-year-old Trakehner/ thoroughbred gelding named Seili. Dressage became my passion and study. Seili’s lofty trot was far from smooth, yet I learned to ride and show him as an adult amateur dressage rider/trainer.

Dressage taught me to stretch my horse’ top line, engage the hindquarters, and encourage my horse to step deeper under the belly at a trot as the energy carried through the body to the bit.

Seili and I did lots and lots of long and low trotting on a 20-meter circle to strengthen his top line muscles. As an adult amateur dressage rider/trainer, it took us several years to move from Training Level to First Level and then Second Level.

Several years of long and low didn’t prepare us for Second Level

Second Level dressage is when the horse demonstrates collection and balance through movements as the shoulder-in, haunches-in, walk pirouettes, and transitions between collected and medium gaits.

Several years of long and low didn’t teach us collection and balance. Several years of long and low taught us to travel on the forehand. Second Level was like starting our training all over again.

It took a couple more years of schooling Second Level before Seili and I were ready to show Second Level. The exercises of shoulder-in, haunches-in, walk pirouette, and transitions between gaits did their job to develop balance and collection. All along I had thought my horse become lighter and more balanced because I had engaged the hindquarters to step deeper under the belly with the hind legs, activate the abdominal muscles to lift the back and raise the wither. Then capture the energy through his body to the bit.

Yet it never occurred to me these balancing exercises activated the shoulder and pectoral muscles.

The chest muscles were never talked about: Not in my lessons, not in the clinics I attended, not in the books I read, not in the videos I watched.

My Trakehner/Thoroughbred and I began schooling Third Level dressage before his age took over, and we dropped out of competition. When Seili reached his mid 20s, I began searching for another horse.

Bumpy to Smooth Gaits

Seili’s bumpy trot made me long for a smoother ride. That’s when I began my search for a naturally smooth gaited horse.

On a cold February day, a just turning three-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse named Makana met me at the fence and warmed my heart. She became my first smooth gaited horse on Valentine’s Day 2007.

I applied the dressage principles I had learned with my new gaited horse. We did lots of long and low on a 20-meter circle at a walk and flat walk to develop her top line muscles. I encouraged her to step deeper under her body to increase her depth of stride.

As Makana matured, I began balancing exercises as the shoulder-in, haunches-in, rein back, and transitions between the smooth gaits.

Then I learned of a DVD by Lisa Maxwell: Getting Started with Lightness: The French Classical Dressage of Francois Baucher as taught by Jean Claude Racinet presented by one of his students Lisa Maxwell. This DVD introduced the counted walk—something I had never heard of before.

Jean Claude Racinet's book and Lisa Maxwell's DVD — Jean Claude Racinet’s book Another Horsemanship and Lisa Maxwell’s DVD Getting Started In Lightness: The French Classical Dressage of Francois Baucher as taught by Jean Claude Racinet presented by one of his students Lisa Maxwell.

When I began teaching the counted walk to my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse is when I began to FEEL balance like I had never felt before. Balance feels like she is lowering behind, rounding her back beneath me, and lifting her wither, neck and head while lightening her forehand.

shoulder in on a circle with a naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse. — Lateral exercises at a slow collected walk help the naturally gaited horse develop balance.

Still, all along, I believed that lightening the forehand and raising the wither were due to the engaging the hindquarters. Yes, this is part of the equation, but Dr. Clayton’s research opened my eyes. The important role the shoulder and pectoral muscles play in collection and balance is as much of an epiphany to me as it must have been to people who learned that the world was round, not flat!

Over 30 years of dressage study never taught the importance of engaging the shoulder and pectoral muscles in order to raise the wither and lighten the forehand until Dr. Clayton’s research proves it.

Now I know WHY the shoulder-in, shoulder-out, rein back, and counted walk are so effective in developing balance and collection. Now I know why I FEEL balance and collection during these exercises, because they activate the very muscles that lift the wither and lighten the forehand.

What does Dr. Clayton’s research mean for the naturally gaited horse?

Thanks to Dr. Clayton I have new eyes of awareness as I ride and train my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Makana, and fox trotting horse, Lady.

Do you have a gaited horse that feels heavy on the forehand, like riding in a car with no suspension in front as your horse pounds the ground with their front feet? Does your horse lean heavy in your hands?

Well, I did. That’s my naturally gaited fox trotting mare, Lady.

Long and low on the forehand — Here is my naturally gaited fox trotting horse, Lady, in a long and low position. While she is relaxed, she is disengaged from behind (not stepping deep under the body), has a hollow back and collapsed pectoral muscles. She is not effectively developing the top line muscles in the position, she is traveling on the forehand, and behind the bit.

Bit problem or posture problem

I had been conditioned to think “back to front” in my dressage riding. Before learning about Dr. Clayton’s research, I had been trying to engage Lady from behind to lighten the forehand. Lady’s response: rush quicker and get heavier in my hands. Not the result I hoped for. So I tried all kinds of bits. Same result.

Dr. Clayton’s research helped me notice when Lady gets heavy in my hands, it is because she is heavy on the forehand. Why? Lady had slouching chest muscles. Lady didn’t have a bit problem. She had a posture problem. It’s like Lady had a flat tire in her chest. Once I began to inflate her flat tire with chest-engaging exercises, Lady became lighter in my hands and more balanced.

2024 Lady pelham shoulder-in on a circle

Dr. Clayton’s research proves to me the answer lies in chest-engaging exercises to help Lady find balance and collection. Anytime Lady feels heavy in my hands, I transition her to exercises like the shoulder-in on a small circle and shoulder-out, pivot the fore, counted walk, or rein back.

These exercises activate Lady’s shoulder and pectoral muscles while they also engage the hindquarters and abdominal muscles. The result of engaging Lady’s chest-engaging exercises: she becomes more balanced, lighter in my hand, and lighter on the forehand.

Rein back — The rein back engages the hindquarters and abdominal muscles to lift the back and engaging the chest muscles raises the wither.

Whether you ride a naturally smooth gaited horse or a non-gaited trotting horse, Dr. Clayton’s research about chest muscles for developing balance can help you no matter what stage of dressage training your horse is at.

2021 Lady's smooth gait with contact — Lady’s smooth gait today has more balance and lightness.

Learn more about Dressage for the Gaited Horse

Many thanks to Dr. Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, DACVSMR, FRCVS for her equine research that can help us improve our horse’s quality of balanced movement.

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

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Gaited Horse Training

Long and Low to Break Pace

February 21, 2022 Jennifer Klitzke 1 Comment

Do you have a tense, anxious and pacey gaited horse? You are not alone. I did too. Here’s what’s worked for me to find relaxation and break pace for a smooth gait. Find relaxation and break pace with long and low, plus these tips and videos.

Long and Low to Break Pace and Improve Smooth Gait

By Jennifer Klitzke

Have you ever asked, “How do I help my gaited horse break pace for a smooth gait?” You’re not alone. I asked this question back in 2007 when I bought my first Tennessee walking horse, Makana. She was just turning three years old with a few rides on her. I thought naturally gaited horses were born to be smooth. Yes, they are. However, I quickly learned that it was up to me to help my horse develop her smooth gaits with consistent training.

I set out to find resources for smooth gaited horse training. I purchased and studied gaited horse videos and books where I learned that many people ride their gaited horses using curb bits two handed with contact. This approach was new to me. As an avid dressage rider since 1988, I was familiar with riding two handed with contact using a gentle snaffle bit. A curb bit was only added to the snaffle bit (bradoon) at Third Level and beyond, but not used predominantly with contact.

I also attended naturally gaited horse clinics and took lessons with local instructors where I was taught to ride with low fixed hands. This was also a new concept for me. As a dressage rider, I had learned to follow the natural head and neck motion of the horse with the snaffle bit contact. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be the same for the head nodding gaited horse?”

It seems pace is a common theme among gaited horse owners—especially for those, like me, who own Tennessee walking horses.

Ingredients of pace

Pictured below, is me and my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Makana, early in our training. As you can see, we struggled with pace. Does she look relaxed: her expression, her body, her mouth? Notice the spurs and riding two handed with low, fixed hands using a curb bit.

Relaxation leads to smooth gait, yes. Just where do you begin to unravel the elements of this quandary and begin the journey to a relaxed smooth gait?

How to Break Pace for a Smooth Gait

Makana has had a consistent smooth gait for years now. Helping her find relaxation in her body and mind is key to break pace. This begins even before I start riding long and low.

Steps to relaxation

First of all, I stopped using equipment that cause tension. No more spurs, snug nose bands, and riding with curb bits two handed with contact. I maintained regular hoof trims at natural angles, double checked my saddle fit for comfort, and had the vet out annually to check teeth and floated as needed.

Developing a language of communication

To relax my horse’s mind, I had to become aware of what created anxiety and worry to help my horse find relaxation. Here, we embarked on a journey to develop a dialogue of harmonious two-way communication using dressage for the gaited horse.

Watch: Introducing Contact In Hand and In Saddle

I began by teaching my horse how to acceptance and follow a mild snaffle bit contact starting with work in hand. Then the same exercises from the saddle at a halt, and then at a slow walk. We only progressed tempo as long as she was relaxed in her mind and body. If she became tense or worried, we would slow down or halt until she was relaxed again.

When we progressed in tempo to a free walk on a long rein. I had to learn how to follow her natural head and neck movement with relaxed arms shoulders and hip joints.

Becoming a relaxed and confident rider

Most important, I needed to face my fears and learn how to become a relaxed and confident rider in order to convey relaxation and confidence to my horse. If my horse is nervous and I react in nervousness, it only reinforces her worry. I need to become the relaxed leader of our relationship. This takes time. For me, this has been a work in progress. Because of intentionally working at it, I am a more relaxed and confident rider, and it has paid off in my relationship with Makana.

Long and low for relaxation

Gaited horse experts talk about the importance of lowering the horse’s head and neck to aid in relaxation. Why? Because relaxation is a key component for smooth gait.

In dressage terms, a long and low dog walk with contact is referred to a free walk on a long rein. This is a required movement in all dressage tests—Introductory through Olympic Levels. The free walk on a long rein shows the rider and horse in a posture of relaxation during the test. The riding team leaves the arena at a free walk on a loose rein.

Naturally gaited horse free walk on a long rein or long and low — Free walk on a long rein

Long and low or free walk on a long rein is only one of many positions a horse is trained at to develop full range of motion.

In a dressage test, the free walk is graded on a scale from 0 to 10. The latter score means a perfect free walk. In a quality free walk on a long rein, the horse is shown in a state of relaxation. The horse is ridden in an approved snaffle bit and stretches forward, down, and out while taking equally timed steps with over track. This means the hind leg hoofprint steps over the fore hoofprint as it leaves the ground. The more over track the horse offers is considered a quality walk. For maximum stride length, it is important to move the horse forward without rushing in a regular rhythm and tempo.

This quality position allows the horse to stretch through the back and neck to a seeking contact with the bit. The horse’s nose is ahead of the vertical. The back is in a neutral position, and the horse’s chest is up and not collapsed. Most dressage tests show the free walk on a long rein along a straight line across the diagonal. This challenges how well the horse remains between the rider’s leg and rein aids. This symmetry is also scored.

The rider maintains a light contact with the snaffle bit and follows the horse’s natural head and neck motion with relaxed shoulders and arms. The rider also follows the horse’s side to side belly sway with relaxed hip joints and a balanced and aligned (ear, hip and heel) riding position. The rider’s relaxation aids the horse’s relaxation.

Video: Free Walk on a Long Rein

The free walk on a long rein is a terrific way to begin and end every ride, as well as reward your horse throughout a training session.

Long and Low to Steps of Smooth Gait

As my horse develops a consistent free walk on a long rein, then I begin asking her for a few steps of flat walk or smooth gait. I stop and reward my horse before my horse begins to pace or trot or feel like a rough ride. Then we return to a relaxed walk and ask for the smooth gait again.

After a few smooth steps of gait, I halt and reward my horse. Over time, a few good steps of smooth gait lead to a circle and then a few minutes of smooth gait.

Why lower is not better

I used to believe that the lower the horse’s head and neck are stretched to the ground the better. Many gaited horse experts claim this is true in order to develop a smooth gait. I gave this a try for a couple years. It helped my horse become smoother; however, my horse developed the habit of traveling on the forehand. This became a new habit that has been hard to break. Plus, being on the forehand compounded the tripping.

In hindsight, why train long and low as low as you can go when long and low at a neutral position also breaks pace?

Consider balance when training long and low to break pace

Balance is an important concept in dressage. I began to study the science of biomechanics and balance, and the importance of engaging the thoracic sling (chest and shoulder muscles) from Dr. Hilary Clayton’s research and French dressage master Philippe Karl’s book: Misconceptions of Modern Dressage.

Clayton and Karl are dressage and biomechanics experts. Their writings helped me realize the struggles I was having with my gaited horse being on the forehand and when my Trakehner/Thoroughbred were moving into Second Level. Prolonged long and low trains the horse to travel on the forehand.

Moments of long and low are good, not miles. Long and low stretching is good, but lower is not better.

Here’s why. The horse’s head and neck weigh up to one tenth of its body weight and when propelled ahead of the horse’s legs naturally places the horse on the forehand.

Adding to this, when the horse’s poll (between the ears) is lower than the height of the wither, the horse collapses the shoulder and chest muscles. Training a horse in this unbalanced position means conditioning the horse on the forehand with undeveloped chest and shoulder muscles. Then when you want to teach collection, you have to retrain your horse to develop the chest and shoulder muscles and break the habit of leaning on the bit and traveling onto the forehand.

Long and low to riding in balance is like breaking the habit of slouching with good posture. Not easy to do.

Long and low out of balance

Pictured above is my naturally gaited fox-trotting horse, Lady, in a long and low position. Notice that she is disengaged from behind (not stepping under the rider’s position with her hind leg). Notice that her chest muscles are collapsed, and her abdominal muscles are not lifting her back to a neutral position. She may be relaxed, but she is not effectively developing her top line muscles in this position. She is traveling on the forehand, and behind the bit.

Long and low in balance

Pictured above is my naturally gaited horse, Lady, in a neutral balanced position on a long rein. This is called a neck extension. She is traveling in a relaxed smooth gait and stepping more under her body than disengaging behind her tail. Can you see the difference in balanced compared with the other photo?

Watch: Action Reaction to Neck Extension

Steps to cue the neck extension

Benefits of a free walk on a long rein from a balanced position

A free walk on a long rein from a balanced position produces many terrific benefits for the gaited horse including rhythm, relaxation, forward movement without rushing, and depth of stride to increase stride length, stretching the spine, and building the top line muscles.

Most importantly, a free walk on a long rein from a balanced position puts the gaited horse into a relaxed position that helps break up the foot falls of pace into four individual steps—the sequence of a four-beat smooth gait at a slower tempo. From this quality walk, ask for a few steps of smooth gait. Stop and reward your horse. Then repeat.

How to teach the horse to lower its head

If your horse is just beginning to learn the basics with a snaffle bit and needs to start by lower its head and neck, here’s an exercise I learned from naturally gaited clinician, Bucky Sparks, which he calls “Stretch the Bit.” This exercise teaches a horse to discover relaxation by lowering its head and neck on cue at a halt. Once a horse discovers relaxation, they are more likely to seek it the next time you cue for it.

1. Begin this exercise at a halt. If the horse’s head is too high, lift your hands up and out to each side. This position touches the less sensitive corners of the horse’s lips. As I draw my arms out to the side, I feel a pull in my triceps which helps me to remember not to pull back.

IMPORTANT: Don’t pulling back or apply low fixed hands that press the bit into the horse’s tongue and causes pain. Pain causes tension in the mouth and lower jaw.

Stretch the bit with Lady — When your horse’s head is too high, position your reins up and out to each side without pulling back. Begin this exercise at a halt.

2. Release to reward: As soon as your horse begins dropping the head and neck, release the reins.

3. Repeat the exercise: Don’t get discouraged if it takes a couple minutes before the horse lowers its head or if the horse lowers and then pops its head back up. This is a common reaction when introducing something new to the horse as well as for horses who are tense or resistant. After a few tries, most horses discover relaxation and prefer it over tension and hollowness because it is more comfortable. Eventually the horse learns to remain in a lowered headset for longer periods of time.

4. Stretch and release at a walk: When the horse gets consistent with this exercise at a halt, you can begin stretching the bit at a walk on a large 20-meter circle. My horse found relaxation quicker on an arc of a circle than traveling on a straight line.

5. Add transitions and changes of direction: After a few circles, repeat the exercise traveling in the opposite direction. Switch directions every 3 or 4 circles. Then add some walk-halt-walk transitions to keep it interesting and “stretch the bit” and “release to reward” at a halt before transitioning to a walk. The transitions also help to improve the horse’s balance.

Watch: Stretch the Bit and Release and Reward

Notice that when the horse lowers, its head and neck are at the wither height.

Neck extension or free walk on a long rein is only a portion of my riding sessions as a warmup, break time and cool down.

As my horse advances in its training, I like to replace the “stretch the bit” with a more traditional dressage application I call “squeeze and release.”

How to Squeeze and Release to Lower the Head and Neck

1. Squeeze and release with the rein: On a 20-meter circle at a walk, I gently squeeze the inside rein with my fingers and hold my fingers closed until my horse gives. Then I immediately release the inside rein by opening my middle, ring and pinky fingers to reward the horse. I don’t drop the rein. I maintain a light contact with my thumb and index fingers. Each time the horse’s head pops up, I’ll repeat the “squeeze and release.”

2. Application of the inside calf after the squeeze and release: Once the horse is relaxed and understands this concept, I will touch and release my inside calf at the girth as my horse steps its inside hind leg forward. This encourages my horse to step deeper under its body with its inside hind leg. The timing of this cue is important.

Also, it is important to separate the timing of my hand and leg aids. I like to apply the leg aid after I release my hand aid. Combining my hand and leg aids is like driving a car with my foot on the break and gas pedal at the same time. This is confusing to the horse. Separating the timing of my hand and leg aids (even by milliseconds) produce clarity for my horse and leads to lightness of aids.

4. Inside leg to outside rein: Then I capture the forward energy into an ounce of contact with the outside indirect rein which I place lightly against my horse’s neck. The inside leg to outside indirect rein combined with the softening inside rein helps keep my horse in a consistent long and low frame on a 20-meter circle.

Watch: Squeeze and Release to Lower the Head and Neck

When my horse is consistent in the neutral frame (poll no lower than the height of the wither), I ask for a few deeper, more ground covering steps and more forwardness without rushing from the hind quarters to begin the free walk on a long rein.

How to improve long and low or free walk on a long rein

1. Awareness: Improving the free walk on a long rein begins by becoming aware of how the free walk feels and looks when it is moving well and when it needs improvement. Finding a riding coach who can provide timely feedback is a great way to learn this “feel.” This takes time, patience and consistent training, but the free walk offers such wonderful benefits to the horse. A balanced and engaged free walk teaches the horse to maintain a consistent relaxed tempo, maximum length and stride depth, even four-beat rhythm, and an extended head and neck position: all of which helps to develop the top line muscles.

2. Cueing deeper and longer strides: While traveling at a relaxed land neutral walk, the timing of my cue is critical. I press and release my right calf at the girth as the horse steps forward with its right hind leg (or as I feel the horse’s belly dip down on the right side). Then I apply and release my left calf as the horse steps forward with its left hind leg (or as I feel the horse’s belly dip down on the left). The application of my calf should encourage a deeper step beneath the body.

IMPORTANT: Don’t cue every step or the horse will begin to ignore the cues. I stop cueing as soon as my horse increases its depth of stride. Then I follow the motion of the belly sway with each relaxed hip joint. I don’t push my pelvis forward to drive my horse. I only follow the horse’s motion. To lengthen the stride, it is important not to use both leg aids at the same time since this shortens the stride.

If the horse ignores my calf aid, I will follow up a calf aid with a tap of a dressage whip applied to the same side I applied my calf to activate that hind leg while it is stepping forward. Timing is key.

Another way to encourage more energy and deeper strides in the free walk is to make a cluck sound as the hind leg steps forward. As soon as the horse increases the energy and depth of stride, stop the sound. If you show gaited dressage, using voice as a training aid will not be an option since the use of voice is not allowed during a test.

3. Following the movement with the seat: After cueing my horse for deeper strides, I follow my horse’s forward movement with each hip joint as each hind leg steps beneath under the belly. I become aware of the feeling of the horse’s rib cage lift on one side and lower on the other. I keep my body still from the core but not stiff, tense or locked in the joints.

IMPORTANT: Follow not drive: There is a difference between following the motion a horse produces with relaxed hip joints and driving the horse forward with the pelvis. I have found that driving a horse forward with the pelvis is annoying to the horse. It tends to create extra noise and irritation to the horse’s back. I like to teach the horse to be light to the leg and hand instead of driving the horse forward with my pelvis.

4. Circles and straight lines: I like to teach my horses the free walk on a large circle versus a straight line along the rail. This way the horse learns to listen to my aids instead of following along the rail.

Once the horse is consistent on a 20-meter circle in both directions, I will add serpentines, figure eights, and moments of straight lines. If the horse’s head pops up, gets tense, hollow and pacey, I’ll return to the arc of a circle. Over time, the horse will learn to travel in straight lines across the diagonal in a free walk on a long rein. This is a required movement in all dressage tests.

Developing straightness for symmetry

Another benefit of riding circles versus straight lines is the outer muscles are stretching, and the horse extends the outside legs more because the outside legs are traveling on a larger circle than the inside legs. All horses tend to be stiffer on one side more than the other. Circles help the horse become more evenly flexible. This symmetry is referred to as straightness. Straightness in dressage does not mean riding in straight lines, rather developing the horse to become ambidextrous which is best done in a curved position.

Remember, after the horse is in balance at a walk, then lengthen the reins and release the horse to a neutral position. Keep the horse’s poll no lower than the wither height to help preserve the horse’s balance. And ride your horse like playing an accordion with lots of transitions to develop the full range of motion for quality smooth gaits.

2021: My naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Makana. We are riding bareback in her smooth gait, an even four-beat flat walk riding in balance and relaxation.

Dressage for the gaited horse breaks pace and teaches relaxation and balance

Today I train my gaited horses in a position of balance and relaxation from the start using dressage.

Dressage for the gaited horse develops the horse’s full range of motion and quality smooth gaits on cue for long-term soundness.

why dressage for the gaited horse — 2022: Makana, my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, at 18 years old.

Dressage benefits the gaited horse:

Relaxation of the mind allows for a more teachable horse. Relaxation of the mind means less anxiety and tension. Relaxation of the mind helps build a partnership of harmony between the horse and rider to promote trust. A relaxed horse is more attentive to the rider and less focused on distractions. This reduces the risk of spooking.
Relaxation of the body allows for a more trainable horse. Relaxation of the body transforms tense muscles, a hollow posture, and pace into more flexible and maneuverable movement and smoother gaits. Relaxation of the body includes expression of the mouth, flexibility of the lower jaw and poll, stretching and flexibility of body muscles, a maneuverable posture, and lifting the chest and back. Relaxation of the body promotes smoother gaits—less pace, step pace, hard trot, and lateral canter.
Stretching the spine and building the top line muscles increase the depth of stride and the length of stride.
Developing symmetry through gymnastic exercises to help the horse become ambidextrous. These exercises promote balance, strength and flexibility traveling clockwise or counterclockwise for evenness of stride, length of stride, and depth of stride.
Lateral exercises break up the pace and step pace for more even smooth, four beat gaits.
Dressage develops the full range of motion, quality smooth gaits on cue and long-term soundness.

Our dressage program

I help my horses find balance at a halt and relaxation in the mouth, lower jaw and poll. Then instead of long and low (as low as I can go), I release to the neck extension to stretch the spine and top line muscles and flexions side to side. This stretches the neck muscles of the horse.

I do not ride my gaited horse in a free walk or neck extension the entire session. I ride my gaited horses like playing an accordion. The accordion stretches out and shortens to make high and low notes for a song. Similarly, I like to develop my horse’s full range of motion with big strides to develop the lengthening muscles and small collected steps to develop the carrying muscles.

We begin riding a free walk on a long rein to warm up and stretch the muscles. Next, we transition between lateral exercises at a slow deliberate walk with small steps (balance, strength and suppling) to a forward without rushing neck extension at a flat walk (lengthening muscles) for a couple minutes.

Our balancing exercises include the shoulder in, haunches in, shoulder out, renver, rein back, counter bend turns, counted walk, and half steps. Then we enjoy flat walk, fox trot, and/or canter exercises, and end with free walk on a loose rein as a cool down. This method makes transitions from Intro Level to Training Level to First Level to Second Level much more seamless.

Dressage with my naturally gaited horses is not only fun, but it has also created a great bond with each horse. Best of all, this method of training breaks pace and hard trot. I enjoy quality smooth gaits with all three of my naturally gaited horses.

Learn more: Dressage for the Gaited Horse

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

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Dressage for the Gaited Horse

Introducing a Gaited Horse to a Snaffle Bit

February 20, 2022 Jennifer Klitzke

Teaching the naturally gaited horse to relax the mouth, lower jaw, and poll can relax the body to perform smooth gaits. Learn the benefits of using a snaffle bit and how to begin.

Introducing a Gaited Horse to a Snaffle Bit

By Jennifer Klitzke

Depending upon which training method you choose with your gaited horse will determine how you communicate with your horse, which tools are used, how the tools are used, and why.

Dressage is my method of choice in training my gaited horses―specifically classical French dressage. In dressage, the rider communicates with the horse through the hand, leg, seat, and weight aids. The rider’s fingers gently communicate with the horse’s mouth in a meaningful way through the reins attached to a gentle snaffle bit. The horse learns to seek and follow a light contact with the bit, and the rider gains awareness to gently follow the horse’s natural head and neck motion with relaxed shoulders, arms, and fingers. This light contact between the rider’s fingers and the horse’s mouth is important for communication.

Introducing a gaited horse to a snaffle bit helps the horse learn to seek and accept a light contact leading to smooth gait. When bits are misused, horse learn to resist contact out of fear, pain, or tension. This leads to pace, step pace, hard trot, and even running off.

In this post, we will explore:

Selecting a snaffle bit for the gaited horse
Introducing the bit and working in hand
Benefits of teaching a gaited horse to accept and follow a snaffle bit contact
Demonstration videos

Selecting a snaffle bit for the gaited horse

Snaffle bits and curb bits (or shank bits) have different actions on the horse. Snaffle bits do not have curb levers creating poll pressure. In dressage, snaffles are designed for the rider to communicate with the horse through a light contact leading to bit acceptance.

Over the years, I have collected many snaffle bits. Snaffles are made of rubber, plastic, and a variety of different tasting metals. There are one-piece (Mullen) bits, single-joint and double-joint snaffles. Some double-joint snaffles have a lozenge, a link, or roller. (Use caution when selecting links and rollers as some can pinch the horse’s tongue and cause pain.)

Below are snaffle bits I have used to train my naturally smooth gaited horses.

EquiKind Mullen Full Cheek Snaffle Bit — Plastic Mullen Full Cheek Snaffle Bit

Full Cheek Mullen Snaffle Bit

A full-cheek snaffle bit is a great choice for young, green horses who are wiggly as they learn, like my three-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Marvel. This will be our go-to bit for his first year of training.

The full-cheek pieces offer stability to keep the bit from sliding through the horse’s mouth while they learn how to accept and follow contact. A plastic Mullen snaffle bit is great for horses with a sensitive mouth and horses who dislike the taste of metal.

fulmer full cheek snaffle — Fulmer single-joint snaffle

Fulmer Snaffle Bit

The Fulmer snaffle is one of my favorites for training gaited horses using dressage. The rings are independent from the full cheek pieces and allow greater communication with the horse and rider through the various lateral dressage exercises. The Fulmer snaffle is also available with a double joint.

Loose Ring Snaffle Bit

After the horse is established in following contact, many dressage riders change to a loose ring snaffle. There are other ring styles as well, such as the D-ring and egg-butt snaffle bits. Many riders start out with a D-ring or an egg-butt. However, the full-cheek and Fulmer snaffles offer the best protection from the bit sliding through the horse’s mouth.

In all cases with snaffle bits, the reins are attached to the rings.

Baucher Snaffle Bit

The Baucher snaffle bit is available in a variety of mouth pieces: Mullen, single-joint, French link, with a lozenge, and of various metals or plastic. Many people believe that this bit offers poll pressure. However, according to bit expert, Charmae Bell of BitBank Australia, Baucher snaffle bits actually relieve poll pressure. Her BitBank Australia YouTube channel is a terrific resource to learn about bits and bit action.

Snaffle Bit Size

Five-inch snaffle bits are a common width. I have many five-inch snaffle bits, a few five-and-a-half inch snaffles I used with my late 16-2 H Trakehner/Thoroughbred and four-and-a-half-inch snaffles I used with my late 14-1 H Arabian. Select a size large enough not to pinch the corners of the horse’s mouth.

Is a Single-Joint Snaffle Bit Abusive?

Some people believe all single-joint snaffles are abusive, because they have been told single-joint snaffles have a nutcracker effect in the horse’s mouth. I have ridden with a variety of FEI dressage legal snaffle bits since 1988 including single-joint snaffles. In my opinion, any bit can be abusive to the horse when used incorrectly, when not properly fitted, or when the wrong snaffle is selected for the horse’s training.

A single-joint snaffle isn’t for every horse. Horses have preferences and differing mouth conformations and sensitivities where a double joint or Mullen may be more suitable or comfortable. As horses progress in their training, bits are often changed. Some horses have been mishandled and have become defensive. These horses will need a gentle snaffle bit along with an empathetic handler who has patience and educated hands to overcome bit avoidance.

Any bit can be harsh to the horse when used incorrectly or when not properly fitted.

It is important to point out HOW a rider uses a bit, whether single joint, double joint, Mullen, or curb (shank). Many gaited horse riders are taught to hold their hands out to each side in a low, fixed position with contact. Some riders pull back on the reins with both hands. These actions put pressure on the horse’s tongue and cause pain. Pain leads to bit avoidance. Bit avoidance leads to anxiety, tension, pacing, running away, head tossing, getting behind the bit, putting the tongue over the bit, gapping the mouth, and more. This is the opposite of relaxation.

A better way to ride with a snaffle bit is with a light following contact, the elbows at the rider’s sides and the arms bending at the elbows, signaling with the rider’s palms facing up and an upward action. Cueing with an upward action communicates with the corners of the horse’s lips which is a softer and gentler way to communicate. Pulling back on the reins with low hands presses the bit into the tongue which causes discomfort. Bit acceptance occurs when a horse develops a positive and comfortable experience with the bit. Developing bit acceptance takes time, consistent training, awareness of the horse’s body language and our application of our rein aids. Bit acceptance takes patience, especially with a horse that has learned to be defensive. Bit acceptance leads to mental and physical relaxation. That’s what we want in dressage, and that’s what we need for smooth gaits.

Which Snaffle Bit Do You Pick and Why?

Select a comfortable bit that encourages acceptance and relaxation versus pain, anxiety and tension which lead to bit avoidance.

Introducing the bridle — Here’s Marvel, my three-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse getting acquainted with a Mullen full-cheek snaffle bit.

I am blessed to have another opportunity to start a young, gaited horse, thanks to my friend Mary. Marvel is an unstarted, three-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse. He is a clean slate, so starting him with a comfortable bit and teaching him bit acceptance will go a long way.

I have also restarted many horses who have had a negative experience with the bit. It takes time to develop trust with a horse, even more time with a bit resistant horse.

Maybe you can relate:

Have you ever ridden a tense, anxious, and stiff gaited horse who runs off the minute you take up contact with the reins or curls their nose behind the vertical to avoid contact? Can you recall whether the gaits were smooth or rough? Did you experience pace, step pace, a lateral canter or hard trot?

For me, I notice whenever a gaited horse is tense, anxious, and stiff undesirable rough and jarring gaits soon follow. On the flip side, relaxation produces the quality smooth gaits I desire, and that’s what dressage for the gaited horse is all about.

After having a vet inspect the teeth for a float, the next step begins by selecting a well-fitting and gentle snaffle bit.

For Marvel, I am using a plastic Mullen full-cheek snaffle bit. The full-cheek pieces keep the bit from sliding through his mouth while he learns. The plastic Mullen bit is gentle for his sensitive mouth as he learns how to accept and follow contact through stretching exercises. Young horses are wiggly as they learn, and this bit offers stability as I gently guide him through our first year of training until we are well started under saddle.

How to Introduce a Gaited Horse to a Snaffle Bit

Teaching the gaited horse to relax the mouth, lower jaw, and poll can relax the body to perform smooth gaits.

The best way to introduce the gaited horse to the snaffle bit is from the ground by working in hand. This strips away the complexities of the rider’s leg, weight and seat aids so the gaited horse learns how to accept and follow a light snaffle bit contact.

After the horse learns how to accept and follow a light snaffle bit contact with work in hand from the ground then the same exercises can be taught from saddle at a halt. Then the horse is moved into a slow walk and a slow gait over time. Each progression of tempo adds more complexity. This is why beginning with work in hand from the ground is the simplest way to start teaching the horse how to accept and follow a snaffle bit contact. Any time the horse gets tense, the rider backs down to a halt to re-establish relaxation and begin again. As the horse and riding advance in training, relaxation can be applied in motion.

Benefits of Introducing a Snaffle Bit to the Horse from the Ground with Work in Hand

Educates the rider’s hands and the horse’s mouth:
- Educates the rider to teach the gaited horse how to seek and follow a light, steady, even contact with the snaffle bit
- Teaches the horse to taste the snaffle bit and swallow which aids in relaxation of the mouth, lower jaw, and poll
- Brings awareness to the rider about the importance of helping the horse relax the mouth, lower jaw, and poll
Teaches the rider how to help the horse find balance and not lean on the rider’s hands to develop lightness to the hand:
- A light contact is the goal; The rider doesn’t pull on the bit and the horse doesn’t lean on the bit
- Any time the horse leans on the bit, the rider immediately applies a demi arret (quick motions upward of the bit towards the ears of the horse and releases); Upward motion to apply contact to the corners of the mouth; When the horse stops leaning and carries its own head and neck, the rider stops the demi arret
- When the horse learns to carry its own head and neck and not lean on the rider’s hands, the horse learns to shift its balance from the forehand towards the hindquarters and raise its whither by engaging the chest and shoulder muscles

balance in hand — Beginning of balance is achieved when the horse is no longer leaning on my hands and is holding up his head and neck on his own.

Neck extension stretches the top line muscles and spine.

Stretching exercises teach the horse how to follow the snaffle:
- The rider learns to hold a light and even contact with both reins and teaches the horse to follow an even, steady contact
- The rider guides the horse in stretching exercises upward, outwards and to each side at a 45- to 90-degree. This allows the horse to stretch the outside neck muscles while remaining balanced; and teaching the horse to follow the contact to extend its head and neck down and out to stretch the top line muscles and spine. (Ideally the poll (space between he horse’s ears) should be no lower than the height of the whither, so the horse remains in balance)

When the gaited horse understands how to follow contact, the rider can direct the horse into relaxation of the mouth, jaw, and poll. This relaxation is essential in dressage to direct the gaited horse into positions of stretching, flexing the neck and poll, and rebalancing.

After the horse learns these exercises in hand at a halt, the rider can begin to direct the horse in hand at a slow walk. When flexing the head and neck at a 45 to 90-degree angle, the horse’s body remains straight. This exercise is called flechi droit. It teaches the horse lightness, balance, and straightness in the shoulders and prepares the horse for a balanced small circle. This also stretches the outside neck muscles. During these exercises, it is important to slow down and allow the horse to take smaller relaxed steps.

After the horse walks straight while bending in the neck, then directed the horse into a neck extension on a small 8-10 meter circle (volte). This in hand exercise helps the horse learn balance, lightness, and straightness as it follows an even, light, steady snaffle bit contact.

Work-in-hand is teaching me how to direct my gaited horse to find balance and accept a light, bit contact. This groundwork will make it easier to train my gaited horse from the saddle.

Marvel loves his Mullen snaffle bit. Maintaining this enthusiasm will be important going forward until the day we begin saddle training.