Part two in our Dressage for Every Discipline series examines the transition and how it can improve your communication with your horse, no matter what discipline you ride.

Why are Transitions Important?

The definition of a transition is a change, simply. Correctly ridden transitions are like gymnastics for your horse. They test the horse’s obedience and attentiveness to your aids. If you find that your horse is lazy or bored with ring work, frequent transitions can increase his work ethic and challenge him. On the other hand, if you have a hot-tempered horse, incorporating downward transitions will help him settle down, relax, and regulate the tempo of his gait.

Successfully Executing a Trot-Walk Transition

Transitions are the staple to better balance and fluidity of movement, but how do you get good at riding them? It takes practice and preparation. Analyzing how the horse responds to the aids we give can teach us a lot about our approach to training. If your horse braces against your hand or stops abruptly during a downward transition, chances are pretty good that you used too much hand aid in your request. Take driving a car, for example. If you slam on the breaks at a stop sign, you will likely launch your passengers against the dashboard or into the seat in front of them. Typically you’d begin thinking stop several feet before to properly time the actual stop.

Similarly, riding a smooth transition requires planning and timing. You want to convey a clear message to your horse that you wish for him to walk. A few strides out, begin thinking “walk” by stretching your upper body tall and closing your thighs. Next, add leg and stop the forward motion of your body. Lastly, close your fingers around the reins and remember to give and release as your horse walks.

The Use of the Half Halt

The process of half-halting is a momentary re-balancing within a gait. A rider will apply a half halt to alert the horse of what is to come next. When you half halt using your seat and leg aids, you ask the horse to step under and allow the energy created by his hind legs to travel through his back and into the bridle.  Every few strides, evaluate the degree of connection your hands have with his mouth and be careful not to hold or pull back, as this blocks the forward moving energy. An elastic, allowing hand connection is an inviting conversation with your partner.

Remember, it takes practice to communicate effectively. If it takes many trot strides for your horse to walk at first, or if he seems to run through your half halt, don’t get discouraged. Keep yourself quiet in the saddle and wait for him to come back to you, and then reward him. Eventually you will demand a more prompt reaction as your horse becomes more attentive and familiar with your aids.

Riding transitions to achieve better balance and freedom will improve your horse's training and bring you happier, more fulfilling rides. And that is what we strive for as riders. Have a great ride!!!

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Original Source: Dressage for Every Discipline: The Transition