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Dressage for the Gaited Horse

Does Rhythm Produce Relaxation?

Produce relaxation for smooth gaits

Relaxation is key to develop smooth gaits for the Tennessee Walking Horse and other naturally gaited horse breeds. So, how do you teach the horse relaxation?

Does Rhythm Produce Relaxation?

By Jennifer Klitzke

What is the best way to produce relaxation leading to smooth gaits? Relaxation is key to develop smooth gaits for the Tennessee Walking Horse and other naturally gaited horse breeds. So, how do you teach the horse relaxation? Does rhythm produce relaxation?

Here’s my story.

The Pyramid of Training

I began a journey into competitive dressage with non-gaited horses in 1988. Back then we didn’t have the plethora of resources we have today. The internet was a distant dream, and resources like social media, blogs, and video channels were nonexistent. We were fortunate to have a traveling dressage instructor to teach us the Pyramid of Training.

The Pyramid of Training has changed a couple times since I was a competition dressage student. We began at the foundation with rhythm (with energy and tempo) followed by relaxation (with elasticity and suppleness). Then connection (acceptance of the bit through acceptance of the aids), impulsion (increased energy and thrust), straightness (improved alignment and balance), and collection (increased engagement, lightness of the forehand, self carriage).

Dressage training pyramid

We showed our horses by riding dressage tests at the level of our training, beginning with Training level, followed by First, Second, Third, Fourth, Prix St. Georges, Intermediate, and Grand Prix. The latter showed the horse attaining the top of the Pyramid of Training. We moved up to the next level after achieving a few scores in the 60s or above. Most riders and horses never reached beyond Second level. The Pyramid of Training is a challenging, time consuming, and costly way to train dressage.

We believed rhythm produced relaxation. So, for my first 20 years of dressage riding with non-gaited horses, I lunged my horse and then rode him on a 20-meter circle long and low in rhythm until he was relaxed. This is how I understood reaching relaxation.

The Pyramid of Training with a Tennessee Walking Horse

In 2007, I acquired my first naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse, Makana. I continued the dressage Pyramid of Training I learned with non-gaited horses. Makana often worried about her surroundings and tensed her body. Worry quickened and shortened her steps. Was it smooth? Yes, but not the long striding flat walk she was capable of. Tension also affected her gait. When she tensed her body, it produced a step pace and a pace canter―definitely not smooth.

Makana often spooked when tense. This certainly didn’t create relaxation in me. My tense reaction only reinforced her spooking and perpetuated her worry. If I continued to ride her in this state, it was like trying to control a stiff plank caught in a gusty wind. Each spook made it harder to establish rhythm. We definitely had energy and tempo! I hoped I stayed on long enough to establish rhythm to finally reach relaxation.

I wondered, “How long does a nervous rider ride an anxious horse through spooks and tension before rhythm is established and relaxation sets in to develop smooth gaits?”

If I could sweat it out, riding a tense horse in a jarring gait for an hour, was this really the best approach? What was I teaching my horse by riding through miles of tension? Wasn’t I training my horse to be worried and reinforcing her fear with my fear? I certainly was reinforcing mine!

Perhaps a relaxed rider could have ridden Makana through her tension and spooking to rhythm until she relaxed. For me, I needed a different approach.

The Pyramid of Training with a fox trotting horse

When my naturally gaited fox trotting horse, Lady, was tense in her lower jaw, mouth, and poll, it affected her whole body, and she would blast off into a hard, hollow trot. Any attempt to slow her down with bit contact only made her trot faster. Lady wasn’t having fun, and neither was I.

Perhaps after a few miles of a hard trot, Lady would have been tired enough to relax into a smooth gait. However, what muscle memory was she learning if I lunged and/or rode Lady through the rhythm of a hard, hollow trot for miles until she wore out into relaxation? Wasn’t she just learning to run away in tension? For me, I needed a different approach.

Another dressage: Relaxation before rhythm

In 2013, I began exploring a different application of dressage with my naturally gaited horses. Through DVDs and books by French dressage masters Philippe Karl and the late Jean Claude Racinet, I discovered techniques to help my horses mentally and physically relax before BEFORE I rode.

While Karl and the late Racinet teach dressage for non-gaited horses, I have found these methods work well for my naturally gaited horses and for me as the rider.

The core of the French dressage philosophy is “respect to the horse” and the foundation of training is relaxation, balance, and impulsion. The ideal is to train the horse to be responsive to the lightest hand, leg and seat aids.

training model
The Legerete (lightness) training model.

Surrounding the foundation of lightness is developing flexibility through suppleness. Then mobility with straightness and rhythm, followed by collection developing cadence. Legerete begins with relaxation and balance BEFORE rhythm.

In hand exercises

Instead of lunging and riding a worried or tense horse for miles in hopes to develop rhythm leading to relaxation, I have learned in-hand exercises that teach the horse relaxed balance at a halt and then at a slow walk. These exercises both improve my rein communication with my horse to help them accept and follow a gentle contact with a mild snaffle bit.

inhand flexion
After a flexion to the right to stretch the left-side neck muscles. I signal “Action.”
extension in flexion
The “Reaction” encourages the horse to stretch out in a lower position

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 070519-work-in-hand-shoulder-in.jpg
Shoulder in

I’ve noticed the in-hand relaxation and balancing exercises make riding easier, too. These same in-hand flexibility exercises are applied from the saddle at a halt. As long as my horse maintains a relaxed and balanced state of mind and body, I’ll proceed to a slow walk and then increase the tempo to a smooth gait to develop rhythm.

Anytime my horse begins to get tense, anxious, or lose balance, I slow down the tempo or to a halt and reapply these flexibility and suppling exercises until relaxation and balance are restored. This has been a better option for me and my naturally gaited horses compared with riding through miles of tension. Plus, the riding we do in a relaxed and balanced state develops the quality smooth gaits and muscle memory I desire. This dressage approach has led to a harmonious partnership with my naturally gaited horses.

work in hand to teach the horse how to accept and follow a light contact
Relaxing the mouth
In-hand flexion
Flexion
Action
Reaction
shoulder in
Shoulder in
naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse flat walk
Flat walk

My six-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse, Marvel, has been trained exclusively with the Legerete method and is coming along nicely. Plus, I cherish the fun and interactive partnership we have developed.

In hand
Square halt
Action
Reaction
Flexion
Jambette
Flat walk
Neck extension

Anytime my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horses get worried, or my Foxtrotting mare gets tense in her body, I just ease down to a slow walk, halt or even dismount to work in-hand and restore relaxation. I don’t proceed until I’ve established mental and physical relaxation.

How relaxation creates smooth gaits

For me and my naturally gaited horses, we don’t proceed into movement until they are mentally and physically relaxed.

Without relaxation, there is no quality rhythm, no quality steps, no trainable or teachable horse to produce quality smooth gaits.

Thankfully French dressage has been the training philosophy I needed for my naturally gaited horses. Directing my horse to relaxation of mind makes a teachable horse−less tense and distracted and able to stay more focused on our time together. Teaching the gaited horse to relax its body leads to smoother gaits.

Ways to lead the horse into relaxation are:

  • Teaching the horse how to accept and follow a light snaffle bit contact
  • Teaching the horse how to relax the mouth, lower jaw, and poll which helps the horse relax through the back
  • Riding with a snaffle bit contact and following the natural head and neck motion with relaxed hands, arms, and shoulders
  • Making sure I am relaxed as a rider helps me lead my horse into relaxation
  • Shoulder in exercises in hand or from the saddle at a slow walk
  • Developing a partnership of trust and harmony with the horse

Relaxation of the horse’s jaw and back are especially important for the naturally gaited horse. The gaited horse is more prone to pacing when there is tension in the mouth, lower jaw, poll, and back.

My Tennessee Walking Horse has learned to relax her mouth, lower jaw, poll, and back. The step pace and lateral canter are gone. Now she has quality smooth gaits such as flat walk, running walk and saddle rack, and her canter is a quality three-beat canter.

Naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse balanced flat walk
Naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse at a relaxed and balanced flat walk.

For my fox trotting mare, by relaxing her mouth and lower jaw helps her relax her back. The hollow, hard trot is gone. Now she consistently offers a smooth gait.

Lady fox trot
My naturally gaited fox trotting mare, Lady in a relaxed and balanced fox trot with contact.
relaxed and balanced flat walk
My naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Marvel in a relaxed and balanced flat walk.

Does a relaxed rider make a difference?

Applying French dressage with my gaited horses in hand and in saddle has built my confidence as the trusted leader in our partnership. It has also helped me be a more relaxed rider when we increase the tempo to a smooth gait or canter.

Neck extension at a flat walk
Riding my smooth gaited Tennessee walking horse Makana in a flat walk with neck extension. The neck extension allows the horse to both stretch its spine and build its top line while allowing maximum stride length.

Over the last several years, I have learned tools that have helped me become a more relaxed and confident rider. My relaxation and confidence lead my naturally gaited horses into relaxation of mind and body. From this mutual relaxation, my horses are able to produce quality, smooth gaits (with a lot less spooks)!

Now we are having fun!

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

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Balance for Gaited Horses

Neck Extension vs Long & Low for the Naturally Gaited Horse

neck extension vs long and low for the naturally gaited horse

What is the difference between long and low and the neck extension? How do each impact the naturally gaited horse’s quality of movement? Here’s my story…

Neck Extension vs Long & Low for the Naturally Gaited Horse

By Jennifer Klitzke

Many of us with naturally smooth gaited horses are familiar with the term long and low. For me, long and low was taught to help the naturally gaited horse relax and to break up pace into a smooth gait. A few years ago, I learned about the neck extension from Ecole de Légèreté (School of Lightness) teachers.

Before I purchased my first naturally gaited horse in 2007, I had been a dedicated student of dressage since 1988. I learned the benefits of stretching and developing the top line muscles of my trotting horses. We rode forward in a long and low frame on a 20-meter circle and encouraged our horses to step under the rider’s body mass with the inside hind leg toward the outside rein. Then we changed directions and repeated the exercise. Long and low on a 20-meter circle was taught as a way to warm up, relax, stretch, and cool down our horses.

However, as my late father would say, “Too much of anything isn’t good.” Too much long and low conditions the horse to move on the forehand with disengaged the chest muscles. In 1992, when my Trakehner/Thoroughbred and I moved from Training Level into First and Second Level dressage it was like starting over in our training because he had been conditioned to travel on the forehand. First and Second Level dressage introduce balance with engaged chest muscles.

Three reasons why too much long and low puts the horse on the forehand:

  1. The head and neck of the horse weigh as much as 1/9th of its total body weight. When the head and neck are propelled ahead of the horse, it places the horse on the forehand by nature. The lower the head and neck gets, the heavier the weight, especially in a nodding motion at a walk or a gait.
  2. In this long and low position, the horse’s chest muscles (pectoral and shoulder muscles) are collapsed and not lifting the horse in balance
  3. When the horse’s head and neck get too low and out of balance, the horse tends to disengage the hind legs beyond its tail and pushes itself onto the forehand. While the lowered head and neck position can help the horse find relaxation and stretch through the back, the disengaged hind quarters push the horse onto the forehand. This doesn’t lift a hollow back to a neutral position for a quality smooth gait.

A better way: moments (not miles) of neck extension AFTER balanced work

Instead of long and low, I learned the neck extension from Ecole de Légèreté (School of Lightness) teachers. Classical French dressage master Philippe Karl’s DVDs and books also illustrate the neck extension. Karl, the originator of Ecole de Légèreté (School of Lightness) is not a trainer of naturally gaited horses that perform the flat walk, fox trot, tolt, and running walk, but his teachings have so much positive application for the naturally gaited horse—especially the neck extension.

Philippe-Karl-Legerete-DVDs-video-camera
My DVD library includes terrific education through Philippe Karl Classical Dressage volumes 1-4, The School of Légèreté volume 1, and Classical versus Classique.

For me, learning the difference between the neck extension and long and low has been an eye opener. Why? Because up until this point, I didn’t have the riding awareness of how long and low had been training my naturally gaited horses to carry themselves on the forehand. The neck extension has brought all the benefits I had been seeking in long and low without collapsing the chest and shoulders.

What is the neck extension

After moments of balanced work, the neck extension trains my naturally gaited horse to stretch her head and neck forward and out to lengthen her spine, stretch her top line muscles from a balanced frame, encourage her to step deep under her body with her hind leg steps in a regular relaxed and forward rhythm without rushing, and engage her abdominal muscles to lift her back to a neutral position.

Watch: Action-Reaction to Neck Extension

Action-Reaction to Neck Extension

How to apply the neck extension

  • First, I help my horse find balance and relaxation first through in-hand exercises that help her accept an even snaffle bit contact. These exercises help my horse unlock tension in her jaw as she tastes the bit. These in-hand exercises are then applied in the saddle before I ride.
  • While riding I will follow the natural head and neck motion of my gaited horse to maintain an even snaffle bit contact to maintain relaxation of the jaw. Beginning lessons in Legerete: Following Hands»
  • Instead of beginning my ride with long and low, I encourage my horse to walk in a slow, relaxed and balanced position while still tasting the bit, either in a shoulder-in or a small circle.
  • After I achieve relaxation and balance, I release my horse into moments of the neck extension while she is already in balance. Then throughout our ride, I will ask for neck extension ride in all gaits, whether it be the walk, flat walk, running walk, foxtrot, trot (on cue) or canter.
  • I begin the neck extension on a 20-meter circle and encourage her to step deeper under her belly and engage her abdominal muscles to lift her back to a neutral position.

Differences between the neck extension and long and low

A big difference between the neck extension and long and low is that the horse’s head and neck are no lower than poll level. It is also important to keep the horse’s nose ahead of the vertical with an open throat latch. This position helps minimize weight loading the forehand.

Comparisons of long and low and neck extension

Neck extension at a flat walk
This is a great example of a neck extension at a flat walk. My naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse is engaged from behind, lifting her back, stretching, forward, out and down at chest level with an even snaffle bit contact. The dressage fundamentals of rhythm, relaxation, connection and engagement are shown here. Also notice that the withers are higher than the croup instead of the croup being higher than the withers.
This is a great example of an ineffective long and low. There are some things going well here like my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse is relaxed and showing a decent length of stride in rhythm, and her withers are higher than her croup. However, she is behind the bit without an even snaffle bit contact and is not lengthening her spine.
Balanced foxtrot
Here’s Lady, my naturally gaited fox trotting horse performing a neck extension at a fox trot which is a great contrast to the long and low fox trot below. The dressage fundamentals of rhythm, relaxation, connection and engagement are shown here.
Long and Low on the forehand
Here’s a great example of an ineffective long and low fox walk. A great contrast to the neck extensions shown above and below. While Lady is relaxed and shows a nice stretch, she is on the forehand, disengaged behind (not stepping under the rider), and hollow. When she is on the forehand, she often trips.
My naturally gaited fox trotting horse Lady showing a neck extension
Here’s my naturally gaited fox trotting horse Lady showing a neck extension while performing trot (on cue). Her back is in a neutral position. She is in balance and seeking contact with the bit while stretching her head and neck forward, out and down at chest level which allows her to lengthen her spine. Notice that the withers are higher than the croup vs the croup being higher than the withers.

So, whether you’re training your naturally gaited horse to show gaited dressage or western gaited dressage or are looking to break up pace for a natural smooth gait, I hope learning the difference between long and low and neck extension will help bring awareness to your riding. Long and low stretching is great as long as the horse isn’t collapsing the chest and on the forehand, hollow, behind the bit, out of balance, or disengaged (trailing its hind legs) instead of stepping under the rider.

Neck extension to improve quality smooth gait

Instead, try the neck extension in order to improve the quality of smooth natural four-beat gait where the horse reaches under its body with its hind leg steps, engages its abdominal muscles to lift its back to a neutral position, and stretches forward, down and out with the head and neck to lengthen the spine. All of which helps to build the top line muscles and break up pace.

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French Dressage for Gaited Horses

Relaxing The Lower Jaw And Its Effect On Smooth Gait

Naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse flat walk

What effect does relaxing the lower jaw, mouth and poll have on quality smooth gait? Can comfortable equipment and flexibility exercises make a difference? Let’s take a look.

Relaxing the Lower Jaw and its Effect on Smooth Gait

By Jennifer Klitzke

If relaxing the lower jaw has a positive effect on improving the movement of non-gaited horse, I began to explore its effect on the naturally gaited horse and its effect on natural smooth gaits.

Four great books helpful in learning, understanding, and applying relaxation of the lower jaw are, “Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage: A Search for a Classical Alternative” by Classical French Dressage Master, Philippe Karl; “Another Horsemanship,” by the late Classical French Dressage Master, Jean-Claude Racinet; “The Gallant Mouth” by Linda Kaye Hollingsworth Jones, a Classical horse trainer and instructor, and “Enlightened Equitation: Riding in True Harmony with your Horse,” by Heather Moffit a Classical riding instructor and saddle maker.

"Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage: A Search for a Classical Alternative" by Classical French Dressage Master, Philippe Karl
“Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage: A Search for a Classical Alternative” by Philippe Karl, a Classical French Dressage Master.

“Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage: A Search for a Classical Alternative” by Classical French Dressage Master, Philippe Karl is packed with details that have helped me understand French dressage and then I applied these principles with my naturally gaited horses. My horses are lighter to the hand and lighter to the leg. Together we are finding relaxation, balance and harmony leading to quality smooth gaits and a greater partnership.

DVDs
DVDs by Philippe Karl.

Karl also has terrific DVDs to help riders understand how to apply these methods with their horses and the School of Legerete has certified instructors who can teach you firsthand. Many of these instructors are able to do virtual lessons.

Learn More: philippe-karl.com/licensed-teachers and philippe-karl.com/worldmap

Jean Claude Racinet's book and Lisa Maxwell's DVD
Jean Claude Racinet’s book Another Horsemanship and the 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.

“Another Horsemanship,” by the late Classical French Dressage Master, Jean-Claude Racinet is another great book that explains how to help the horse relax through the mouth, lower jaw and poll. This includes the separation of the hand and leg aids which turned my understanding upside down and has helped my horses find relaxation, balance, forward movement without rushing, lightness to the aids, and harmony.

In addition, Racinet’s methods are also demonstrated in the 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.

The Gallant Mouth by Linda Kaye Hollingsworth Jones
“The Gallant Mouth” by Linda Kaye Hollingsworth Jones

“The Gallant Mouth” by Linda Kaye Hollingsworth Jones, a Classical horse trainer and instructor, covers her research of historical Classical Dressage Masters. The book provides a detailed explanation to help the rider teach their horse how to accept and follow a light contact with lots of photos throughout.

"Enlightened Equitation: Riding in True Harmony with your Horse," by Heather Moffit
“Enlightened Equitation: Riding in True Harmony with your Horse,” by Heather Moffit

“Enlightened Equitation: Riding in True Harmony with your Horse” by Heather Moffit. This book is a must-study for anyone desiring to learn the balanced riding position, what the hand, leg and seat aids are and how to effectively use and time of the aids. All of these elements directly impact the horse’s movement for the better. I haven’t come across a book that describes how to ride dressage with the horse in mind better than Heather’s book.

In addition to this Moffit’s book, she has developed the Online Classical Equitation Academy with hundreds of easy-to-follow video instruction. Learn more: Online Classical Riding Academy

All of these Classical dressage professionals apply these methods with non-gaited horses, but these methods work just as well for helping riders apply these methods with their naturally gaited horses to develop smoother gaits.

Comfortable riding equipment

Having the proper equipment makes it easier for the horse to taste the bit, swallow, and relax the lower jaw. Riding with a loose nose band (or none at all) is essential so the horse is able to mobilize the lower jaw, open its mouth to taste the bit and swallow.

For much of my competitive dressage years with non-gaited horses, we rode with snug fitting nose bands with a flash attachment or a dropped nose band. The purpose for these nose bands were to keep the horse’s mouth quiet. It was desirable if the horse produced a foamy mouth. We believed this indicated that the horse was flexed at the poll.

Ride with loose nose bands or none at all

Tight-fitting nose bands can lead to lower jaw tension and discomfort to the horse. They can press on sensitive facial nerves. Dropped nose bands can inhibit the horse’s breathing if too tight. Nichole pointed out that while some salivation around the lips is good, excessive foam dripping from the mouth can indicate that the noseband is constricting the horse’s ability to swallow. Sometimes a horse will grind their teeth when they are tense. That’s why it is important to ride with a loose-fitting nose band (or none at all). The horse needs to open its mouth in order to swallow and mobilize its lower jaw for relaxation.

I’ve noticed that all of the naturally gaited horses and non-gaited horses I ride have been lighter, softer, and more relaxed since I have been riding without a nose band. When I show English dressage, I ride with a loose-fitting nose band.

fulmer-full-cheek-snaffle
Fulmer snaffle bit (available in single or double jointed styles)

Snaffle bit

A comfortable fitting snaffle bit is also important in order to communicate with the horse. Karl begins a horse’s training using a Fulmer snaffle bit. These bits are available in a single or double joint. A Fulmer snaffle looks similar to a full-cheek snaffle, but the Fulmer snaffle has loose rings which make a difference with contact.

Relaxation exercises from the saddle

After a couple lessons on how to encourage the horse to taste the bit, swallow, and relax the lower jaw in hand, Nichole showed me the same exercises from the saddle.

Flexions using Action-Reaction

Flexion to the left
Flexion to the left stretches the right side neck muscles. My hands are raised in the “Action” cue.
flexion in extension
The “Action” cue asks the horse for “Reaction” to lower the head and neck. In this case, to the side in a neck flexion to stretch the outside neck muscles. The Action-Reaction can be applied as the horse is faced forward to stretch the top line and spine.

Flexions at a halt from the saddle

  1. At a halt from the saddle, I placed my outside hand at the wither and raised my inside hand, palm side up while vibrating the rein. This encouraged the horse to taste the bit, relax the tension in the lower jaw, and flex at the poll to the inside. 
  2. As soon as the horse flexed to the inside and began to taste the bit, I lowered my inside hand to the wither and gathered the slack of the inside rein so that I had an even contact with both reins. This meant that I had a longer outside rein and a shorter inside rein.
  3. We repeated this exercise at a walk with one important addition: my shoulders, elbows, and hands needed to stay relaxed and FOLLOW the natural head and neck motion of the horse.
  4. My relaxed arms, following the natural head and neck motion of the horse along with the horse flexing at the poll, tasting the bit, and relaxing the jaw brought relaxation and softness to the horse’s entire body. This improved the horse’s quality of movement.

When the horse is flexed 45 to 90 degrees to the inside, the inside rein is shorter than the outside rein in order to keep an even contact. This felt awkward to me at first until I experienced the many benefits for the horse:

  1. It stretches the outside neck muscles
  2. It prevents the horse from using its underside neck muscles
  3. It helps straighten the horse’s shoulders to find balance before introducing a circle

Fléchi droit

flechi droit
Flechi droit stretches the outside neck muscles while straightening the shoulders.
(Think about it: Can you stretch the outside neck muscles on a straight line?)

When the horse is flexed 45 to 90 degrees to the inside while its body travels straight is an exercise called fléchi droit. This helps the horse learn how to bend the outside neck muscles while remaining straight through the shoulders and body. When the horse is balanced on both shoulders and now overweighting the inside shoulder, then the horse can be directed into a small circle. After a few steps of a small circle, extend the reins so the horse can stretch into a neck extension. Maintain even steady contact and keep the horse’s poll no lower than wither height. This helps the horse maintain shoulder balance and pectoral engagement to stay light.

After a small neck extension circle, move forward along the next long wall at a flat walk neck extension to freshen the horse. Then the horse is directed along the diagonal to change directions and repeated the exercise. The horse is worked briefly in each exercise to condition the full range of motion.

flat walk neck extension
Flat walk neck extension.

Applications for the naturally gaited horse

Bending versus straight lines

How often do we ride our gaited horses on straight lines? We ride straight along the rail. We ride straight along the trail. It is easier to travel in a straight line and establish a consistent stride. However, think about the effect riding exclusively on straight lines has on the flexibility of the outside neck muscles. If the horse doesn’t bend or flex, it will compress the neck muscles. This can lead to stiffness and a ewe neck.

shoulder in on a circle with a naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse.
Shoulder in on a circle with a 20-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse.

Benefits of bending for the naturally gaited horse

Bending the neck stretches the outside neck muscles and the neck extension stretches the top line muscles and spine. The flechi droit is a great exercise to help the horse stretch the outside neck muscles for flexibility.

Naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse flat walk
How dressage improves quality smooth gait over time. Pictured is the same horse at the age of 19.

Relaxing the lower jaw and its effect on the body

When my naturally gaited horses are relaxed in the mouth and lower jaw, they are more relaxed in the body. This produces quality smooth gaits. Less tense gaits like pace, step pace, hard trot, and rushed quick small steps of smooth gait. Riding without a noseband has helped my horses relax by giving them the freedom to mobilize their lower jaw, taste the bit, and swallow.

Also important is giving my gaited horses time to stretch their muscles and relax with me before our riding session. Exercises like the fléchi droit, shoulder in, shoulder out, haunches in and haunches out at a slow walk teach my gaited horses how to find relaxation, balance and flexibility and lead to symmetry. These exercises also help the rider connect with the horse through the coordination of the rein, leg, seat and weight aids in timing with the horse’s movement.

In the end, relaxation is meant to develop the naturally gaited horse’s full range of motion and quality smooth gaits on cue for long term soundness.

Video: How to Introduce the Gaited Horse to Accept and Follow Snaffle Bit Contact

Educating the Mouth: Why work in hand makes training easier

Beginning Lessons in Légèreté: Working in Hand Covers the importance of educating the horse’s mouth starting from the ground.

Following the Natural Head and Neck Motion

Beginning Lessons in Légèreté: Following Hands Covers the importance of following the horse’s natural head and neck motion with an even contact of both hands to a snaffle bit, and how this translates to the flat walk, running walk, and fox trot for naturally gaited head nodding breeds.

Learn more about Dressage for the Gaited Horse

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

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Special thanks to Nichole Walters, the owner and instructor of Cadbury Farm, WA and Linda Kaye Hollingsworth Jones, owner, trainer, and instructor of Willow Grove, ID, who taught me the “Educating the Mouth” and “Aids to Lightness” exercises that they learned firsthand from Philippe Karl and his School of Légèreté instructor certification program.

Gaited Horse Training

Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle

starting a gaited horse under saddle

Starting a gaited horse under saddle began with developing a relationship of relaxation and communication from the ground up!

Sixty rides later, it’s paying off!

Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle

By Jennifer Klitzke

My five main points to starting a young gaited horse:

  1. Mental and physical relaxation
  2. Breaking training down into short learning sessions
  3. Rewarding every good thing
  4. Developing a relationship of trust and respect
  5. Consistent communication: verbal cues, body cues, rewards, use of equipment

Mental and Physical Relaxation

With each horse I work with of any age, relaxation is the key. Relaxation of mind and body. A relaxed mind is a teachable mind. I help the horse focus on me and our training instead of being worried about distractions around us. A relaxed body is a trainable body and able to produce quality smooth gaits.

Most importantly, relaxation begins with me. I need to be relaxed in my mind and body in order to lead my horse into relaxation. This is helpful when working with a young untrained horse or whenever in the saddle.

Defining Relaxation and Why Relaxation is Important for the Gaited Horse

It is important to note that relaxation does not mean lazy, dull or shut down. Relaxation means the absence of tension and anxiety in both me and the horse. Horses learn best from a relaxed handler and in a relaxed state of mind. A horse’s best quality smooth gaits are produced in a posture of relaxation.

Noticing the signs of tension

Whenever the horse becomes tense, I redirect the horse’s focus, slow down or stop and regain relaxation. When a horse is tense, they often raise their head and neck, hollow their back, their whole body becomes tight, they hold their breath, they are tight lipped, their eyes grow worried, and their attention is fixed on what is causing the tension. In this state, the horse is not listening and not trainable. In a posture of tension, a gaited horse often paces, pace canters, or hard trots. These are the rough gaits we don’t want, right? That’s why relaxation of mind and body are key to training the naturally gaited horse.

pace riding two handed with curb contact
2009: Here’s my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Makana, and me early in our training. We struggled with pace as shown above. Notice the spurs, riding two handed with low, fixed hands using a curb bit. Does my Tennessee walking horse look relaxed in the mouth, jaw and body? Tension leads to pace. Relaxation leads to smooth gait.

There are many ways I help a horse relax, such as teaching them to draw their attention back to me, lowering their head and neck to a neutral position, breathing, chewing and swallowing, and relaxing their mouth and lower jaw. Beginning this education from the ground from the lunge line or in hand builds a great foundation of relaxation with lots of rewards for every good thing.

flat walk
How dressage improves quality smooth gait over time.
Pictured is the same horse at the age of 19.

Keeping Training Sessions Short

With a young horse, their attention span is short, and they are easily distracted. Knowing this, I break down training into small progressive steps with ongoing reminders to draw the horse’s attention back to me any time it drifts off.

I have been working with Marvel about 20 minutes, three days in a row with one day off. During our sessions, when Marvel responds to a cue, I will immediately praise with a voice aid like, “yes, good boy,” and stop and give him a treat. I reward him for every good thing. Then we repeat an exercise a couple times with a reward in between.

Developing an ambidextrous horse

If we are working an exercise in one direction, we switch directions and do the same exercise. This is super important. Most horses are like people in that they are born right-handed or left-handed. Horses can be trained to be ambidextrous over time. Ideally, work the less developed direction twice as much as the easy direction. This will help the gaited horse develop more even strides.

Rewarding Every Good Thing

Encouragement goes a long way with people, and it does the same with horses. A young, green horse has a lot to learn. Marvel is learning a new language, so it is my job to be clear and consistent day after day.

I used body cues by bringing my energy up and down, verbal cues, “Yes, good boy,” and rewards, treats, and breaks with moments of letting the horse rest in relaxation.

Later in training, I will introduce the snaffle bit to help the horse accept contact and follow a light contact. Then when we begin saddle training, I will add leg, seat and weight aids.

introducing the bridle
After the gaited horse is no longer leaning on the bit and is tasting the bit, I invite the horse forward and out to stretch the topline and spine. Then release and reward.
Learn More: Introducing a Gaited Horse to a Snaffle Bit
Lunging a gaited horse
Learn More: Lunging a Gaited Horse
introducing the saddle and bridle
Introducing the gaited horse to the saddle and bridle.
April 2022 introducing weight
Introducing the mounting block.

I used the mounting block in our sessions together to get Marvel used to me being taller than him and hearing my voice above him. Then I began laying my arm around him and placing weight on his back.

Access Physical Development

After establishing a relationship of relaxation and a consistent communication system, the next priority before saddle training begins is to access whether Marvel is physically developed to carry a rider.

During the first six months Marvel was at our place, he has grown and put on a hundred pounds. He will be four years old in June. I decided to wait until the snow and ice melted before I started Marvel under saddle. I began his saddle training in May, just a month shy of his fourth birthday.

First time in saddle

First time in the saddle

Six months of groundwork and work in hand led to saddle training with my soon to be 4-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse. For our first time in the saddle, I wanted Marvel to get a sense of my voice and weight on his back before I got off.

I used a mild snaffle bit and a bareback pad. This made it easier for me to gradually get on by adding my weight over his wither, then move my knee onto his back, then my leg and foot to the other side slowly while watching how he handled it, and then I moved into position onto his back. It sure felt great to be on his back! I sat on his back a couple minutes and quietly dismounted.

Second time in saddle with first steps

Second time in the saddle

On my second time in the saddle, I repeated the same slow process of getting on using the bareback pad. Then I asked Marvel to take his first steps with me on his back. Wobble. Wobble. Good boy! It was a short ride, only a couple minutes.

Third time in saddle moving hindquarters and shoulders

Third time in the saddle

On our third time in the saddle, I again repeated the slow process of getting on using the bareback pad and then asked Marvel to move his hindquarters and his shoulders. We doubled our time in the saddle. What a good boy!

Fourth Ride, First Time with a Saddle

Fourth time in the saddle (in a saddle)

On our fourth ride, I added the saddle now that Marvel understands the concept of me being on his back. I don’t need to get on in steps like I did with the bareback pad. Since Marvel feels like I’m riding a water balloon, it is easier to maintain stability in a saddle with stirrups.

In this fourth ride, I asked Marvel to move forward. It is clear that I need to clearly separate my connection with the bridle when I ask for forward promptings of the leg. It is confusing if I combine a light contact of the bridle with the request to move forward. By separating the rein and leg aids helps Marvel move forward much easier.

Each ride we have increased our time in the saddle over the previous ride.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and playlist: Starting a gaited horse under saddle

Gallery: Starting a Gaited Horse under Saddle

First time in saddle
Second time in saddle
Second time in saddle
Third time in saddle
Third time in saddle
Fourth time in saddle
Fourth time in saddle
Fifth time in saddle
Sixth time in saddle
Sixth time in saddle
Seventh time in saddle
Ninth time in saddle
12th ride
12th time in saddle
starting a gaited horse under saddle 16th ride
Marvel and I riding in the large outdoor arena for the first time on our 16th ride.
What a good boy!
Video: 20th Ride: Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle
Relaxed Forwardness Between Hands & Legs

Marvel has had thirty-one rides in the last 10 weeks. Our last ride was our first time experiencing his smooth natural flat walk!

Video: 31st Ride: Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle
First Peek at Smooth Gait
Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle (Ride 42) Recap of Progress

A good trail ride is in order if I can find someone to be the lead.

Oh, horse whisperer?

What are your thoughts? Please reach out and send me a message or stay connected by subscribing to the Naturally Gaited youtube channel and “like” us on facebook.com/naturallygaited.

Balance for Gaited Horses

Second Thoughts About Long And Low

Second Thoughts about Long and Low for the Naturally Gaited Horse

By Jennifer Klitzke

A long and low free walk is a great way to break up pace for the gaited horse. Just make sure you begin with relaxation and balance to maximize your efforts.

Long and low or free walk on a long rein

Dressage is a form of training where the rider communicates with the horse using rein, leg, and seat aids to lead the horse into relaxation, balance, and forward movement without rushing, as well as symmetry and flexibility over time to develop the horse’s full range of motion and quality gaits for long term soundness.

In dressage there are many expressions within a gait. Long and low or free walk on a long rein is one of those expressions. The free walk is a required movement during all dressage tests—Introductory through Advanced.

A quality free walk shows the horse in a state of relaxation. The horse stretches forward, out and down with the head and neck into a light contact with the snaffle bit. The rider follows the natural head and neck motion with relaxed arms and follows the belly sway of the horse with relaxed hip joints. The horse walks with even rhythm, deep steps with each the hind leg under the belly for length of stride and over track.

Long and low or free walk on a long rein has many benefits for the naturally gaited horse:

  • The free walk is an evenly timed four beat gait that helps break up the laterally timed pace
  • The free walk stretches the spine and develops the top line muscles of the horse
  • The free walk develops rhythm and even strides which are foundational qualities in developing quality gaits
  • The free walk improves depth of stride and length of stride as the horse reaches beneath its belly with each hind leg step and over tracks the fore footprint
  • The lowered head and neck position of the free walk stimulates endorphins and relaxes the horse
  • Relaxation of the back reduces tension to aid in smoother gait
  • The free walk is a great way to begin and end every ride with a many stretch breaks within a riding session

A balanced riding position and horse balance

I’ve had the great privilege of auditing and riding with well-known clinicians who travel to my region. One of which is international riding bio-mechanics coach Mary Wanless. She challenges riders to become aware of their balanced riding position. While she teaches riders of trotting horses, the principles of rider position and balance also apply to naturally gaited horses.

Jennifer Klitzke riding at a Mary Wanless Clinic
Jennifer Klitzke riding her Spanish Mustang at a Mary Wanless Clinic and getting established in the A,B,Cs of riding biomechanics.

Long and low but not too low

The study of French dressage pulled back another layer of awareness for me with my gaited horses. It helped me see the difference between just letting my horse lower its head and neck as low as possible to lowering the head and neck while maintaining balance. French dressage helped me recognize that the free walk is a full body activity. You see, long and low is not beneficial if the horse in on the forehand and disengaged from behind.

French dressage encourages a neutral neck extension position instead of as low as the horse can go. A neck extension can be done at a walk, trot, or flat walk. It allows the horse a maximum stretch of the top line muscles and spine by allowing the horse to stretch out its head and neck, forward, out and down, but no lower than the poll at wither height. This helps the horse maintain more chest posture and balance.

The feeling of balance and its application for the naturally gaited horse

FEI dressage rider Heather Blitz describes the feeling of balance using this metaphor. While riding, imagine if your horse had a medicine ball which freely moves around its insides. Where does the weight of the medicine ball feel like it sits most? Does it feel like it rests in the horse’s chest or beneath your seat? The former indicates that the horse is more on the forehand and the latter indicates that the horse is more in balance with the rider.

Long and low in balance

Now think about long and low. If I were to release my horse into a long and low frame while her balance feels like the medicine ball is in her chest, what quality of free walk would we produce? My naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse would be traveling on the forehand, right? She would be pulling herself forward with her front legs, chest muscles collapsed, and her hind legs would be disengaged with shorter strides. This means her hind leg steps would trail behind her tail more than step deep beneath her body and create less over track with the fore hoof prints.

Now that I’ve become aware of how it feels when my horse is in and out of balance, it is important establish her balance BEFORE releasing the reins to a free walk on a long rein.

dressage for the gaited horse and rider
The yellow lines show balanced alignment. The horse’s foreleg is perpendicular with the ground while the yellow and green lines at the tail shows how much of the hind step is under the body and planted under the rider. The center yellow line shows a balanced riding position over the horse’s center of gravity.

The feeling of balance

This medicine ball metaphor has helped me discover the feeling of balance and what to do when I lose it. Each time it feels like the medicine ball rolls into my horse’s chest, I begin with a half halt or transition from walk to halt to walk. If the medicine ball still feels like it is in my horse’s chest, then I transition from walk to halt, take a couple steps of rein back until I feel the medicine ball roll beneath my seat. Then in a feeling of balance, I encourage my horse to take the reins long and low into a free walk. I feel her hind legs step deeply beneath her belly beneath my riding position.

Free walk on a long rein is a great way to break up pace for a natural, four-beat, smooth gait. It also improves depth of stride, length of stride, rhythm and relaxation. Just remember to establish balance before releasing the reins to maximize your efforts.

Watch: A Balanced Free walk on a Long Rein

Free walk on a long rein in a balanced position.

Watch: A Balanced Free walk on a Loose Rein

Free walk on a loose rein in a balanced position.

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you. Please reach out and share your story by sending me a message. Or stay connected by subscribing to the Naturally Gaited youtube channel and follow our community on facebook.com/naturallygaited.