Connection and the Naturally Gaited Horse

By Jennifer Klitzke

What does it mean to ride a naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse in connection? Did you know that connection can improve length of stride in the even four beat flatwalk and produce a better quality head nod in timing with the hind steps?

When I ride my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse in connection at a smooth even four beat gait like the flatwalk, it feels like my horse and I are traveling as one in rhythm, relaxation, balance, forwardness and connection from her hindquarters through her body to a light snaffle bit contact. All this produces her best head nod at a flatwalk in even timing with her hind steps.

Did you know that rhythm, relaxation, connection, balance, and  forwardness are all elements of dressage to improve the quality of movement and won’t make your naturally gaited horse trot? It’s true!

For me, riding in connnection feels like riding that whole horse feeling!

On the other hand, when my horse and I aren’t in connection at a flatwalk, it feels like I am sitting in the middle of an independent front half and back half of a horse. Her back is hollow, she isn’t engaged from behind, her stride length isn’t deep under her body, she take short quick steps, she doesn’t feel light and soft on the bit, and her head nod is inconsistant and isn’t in timing with her hind leg steps.

The video below offers tips from lessons I have taken from my gaited dressage mentor Jennie Jackson. This video talks about riding the naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse in connection to improve the head nod in timing with the hind steps. I hope you find it helpful in your riding.

Video: Connection and the Naturally Gaited Tennessee Walking Horse

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