A long and low riding position at a walk or flat walk helps the naturally gaited horse relax, stretch, and strengthen the topline muscles of the neck and back. This can help break up a tense and nervous pace with a four-beat walk sequence.

Long and Low for the Gaited Horse

By Jennifer Klitzke

Riding your gaited horse in a long and low frame can improve the quality of all gaits. In dressage, long and low is called free walk on a long rein. The free walk on a long rein is a great way to start a young green horse, as well as begin and end every ride on a horse of any level of training. This long and low position helps the horse relax and stretch the top line muscles. It also helps the horse slow down into a four-beat walk sequence with maximum over track.

The DVD “Training the Gaited Horse from the Trail to the Rail” by well-known naturally gaited horse trainers Gary Lane with Anita Howe offers tips to resolve pacing by using long and low.

While riding Tennessee walking horses, Anita builds the foundation in the easy gaits by encouraging a forward flat walk on a long and low frame. Over time of consistent and regular training, the naturally gaited horse develops topline muscles along the neck and back while establishing a consistent four-beat step. Then more tempo can be added into the smooth gait.

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