7 Steps to a Better Ride

Step One - You Can't Dance Without Rhythm

By Deborah Hopkins

According to third level certified coach Peter Hick, every good horse/rider partnership begins with good rhythm. The horse and rider need to move in rhythm together. It is essential to not only get the horse traveling forward, but to establish regularity of movement.

“Make sure the horse is going forward in the beat of the gait”, advises Hick. Correct rhythm is four beats in walk, two beats in trot, and three beats in canter.

For the horse, it’s not as easy as it might appear. Think about walking forward on your own feet, and then imagine walking with a heavy bag slung over your shoulder. Typically problematic for the young or green horse, rhythm can sometimes deteriorate into the wrong beat of the gait. From the moment you settle into the tack, you can improve the horse’s rhythm with the corrections of your aids. To become aware of rhythm in your riding, it’s often beneficial to do seat exercises without stirrups on the longe line. Try closing your eyes to feel the beat, or, if the riding surface permits, listen for the rhythm of the hoof beats.

Next post: Step 2 – Everybody Relax