Basic Equestrian Training (Part 2)

       The training of both the horse and the rider must progress step by step. To train a horse to a higher standard, the rider must maintain a correct riding posture, staying balanced and coordinated with the horse. Good horsemanship requires formal training. The rider’s aids must be clear and precise, and one must understand every aid given and its effect on the horse. It is easier for a rider to improve their skills using a well-trained horse because the horse can correctly interpret the rider’s aids. When the rider is experienced, it also becomes easier to further the horse’s training. Using good training methods enables both horse and rider to improve simultaneously. In all the horse’s gaits, the rider should maintain balance and coordination with the horse, while the horse should respond to the rider’s leg and hand aids. If the horse does not respond to the aids, the rider should determine the reason — whether it is their own mistake, the horse not understanding, the horse being unable to respond (due to physical weakness), or unwillingness to respond (disobedience), etc. Therefore, a good rider must try to understand what the horse is thinking, as well as the horse’s mental and physical condition.

       A gait refers to the manner in which a horse moves, its natural or acquired specific way of traveling, characterized by distinct rhythmic movements of the limbs.

       Horse Gaits: These are generally divided into two types — natural gaits and artificial gaits. Gaits that a horse naturally knows how to perform are called natural gaits. Gaits that are developed through specialized training are known as artificial gaits.

       The basic gaits of a horse mainly include four types: walk, trot, canter, and gallop.

       Walk
       Also called the ordinary pace, it is the basic way a horse walks. Its characteristic is that the legs move and touch the ground one after another. In one complete gait cycle, all four legs move once, producing four beats that can be heard as four hoof sounds. The sequence of footfalls is: left hind — left front — right hind — right front. However, during the walk, the horse always has at least two hooves on the ground at the same time. The walk involves minimal movement of the horse’s center of gravity, helping to maintain the horse’s calm state, with low energy consumption and reduced fatigue in the limbs. It is suitable for muscle development and recovery after exertion. During the walk, the horse’s movements should be clear, elastic, uniform, and steady. The stride length of the walk (i.e., the distance a leg moves forward in one step) varies depending on the type, breed, and individual horse. Depending on the length of the stride and limb movement, the walk is further categorized into collected walk, medium walk, extended walk, and free walk.

       This has the same rhythm as the medium walk but exhibits greater energy. The horse maintains a “collected” posture (the horse’s corners are lightly connected to the rider’s hands via the reins), with a light forehand, an elevated and arched neck, and a head that is almost vertical. The joints of the legs are noticeably flexed, making the movements flexible, and the hind legs are powerful, with high and short steps. The hind hooves do not step on or cross over the prints of the front hooves, resulting in a slightly shorter stride than the medium walk, thus slowing the speed. Riding in this collected walk correctly is relatively difficult; excessive restriction can easily disrupt the normal rhythm, so it should not be sustained for long periods or over long distances.

      Extended Walk

       This shares the same rhythm as the medium walk but requires greater forward drive than the medium walk. The horse extends its stride as much as possible, stretching its neck and body forward, giving an elongated appearance. The hind hooves clearly step ahead of the prints left by the front hooves on the same side, thereby increasing speed while maintaining regularity and without haste.

       This is a natural gait situated between the collected walk and the extended walk. It is steady and rhythmic, appearing calm and energetic with a medium-length stride. The movements are even and stable, with the hind hooves landing just ahead of the prints of the front hooves on the same side. The rider maintains a soft and steady connection with the horse’s mouth through the reins.

      Free Walk

       This is a relaxed gait where the horse is allowed to lower and stretch its head and neck fully. By lengthening the reins appropriately, the horse’s neck relaxes and stretches forward and downward, lengthening the stride. However, the rider still holds the reins and maintains a gentle contact with the horse without altering the speed. This is known as long-rein free walk. If the reins are loosened further so the horse is not “on the bit,” it is called slack-rein free walk. During training or afterward, the rider may allow the horse to walk freely for a few minutes to relax.

       Also called the jog, the trot is characterized by the simultaneous lifting off and setting down of diagonal pairs of legs (front left and hind right, then front right and hind left). Each complete gait cycle consists of two beats, producing two hoof sounds. The sequence of footfalls is: left hind and right front — right hind and left front. The horse moves forward by jumping from one diagonal pair to the other, so there is a brief moment of suspension in the air with each step. The length of the stride depends on how far the horse jumps during the suspension. The trot should always be performed smoothly, energetically, and rhythmically, with decisive movements. The quality of the trot is judged by its regularity, elasticity, ability to maintain rhythm, and natural balance — all stemming from a supple back and strong hindquarters. Even when transitioning between different types of trots, the rhythm remains consistent.

       While trotting, the horse's body swings less from side to side but bounces more. At the moment of transitioning between diagonals, the horse leaves the ground and lands, causing a jolt to the rider’s back. This makes learning to trot challenging. Beginner riders must overcome this difficulty over many days until they can comfortably and naturally absorb the bouncing. During this period, riders may lose balance and fall off due to unstable seating, sometimes even losing confidence. To help riders sit more securely, both mounted (with stirrups) and dismounted (without stirrups) trotting exercises are used. These are fundamental methods for solidifying the seat and improving balance. Additionally, riders should maintain a smooth, natural, and correct posture, with no unnecessary movement in the hands, shoulders, or legs. During dismounted trotting, performing a series of in-saddle gymnastics greatly benefits balance improvement and should initially be practiced during the walk before incorporating them into trotting exercises.

       Beginner riders should not practice trotting for too long at a time, especially early in training. It is best to combine walk and trot training, repeating trotting 4–5 times over every 1–2 circles, gradually increasing trotting duration as proficiency improves. However, it should not exceed 10 minutes at a time, and must be practiced in both directions around the arena. Depending on hoof placement and stride, trotting is also divided into working trot, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, and collected canter (note: likely meant "collected trot" based on context).

       This is a gait between the collected trot and the medium trot, typically performed by a horse not yet fully trained but showing proper balance on its own. The horse is required to maintain a “collected” posture with even, elastic movements and good hock action. The head and neck are stretched forward, the body is elongated, and the hind hooves land on the same spot as the front hooves on the same side. All four legs leave the ground briefly at the same time with a short suspension.

       Collected Trot

       Also called slow trot. It shares the same rhythm as the working trot but often supports the body weight on diagonal pairs of legs. The horse maintains a “collected” posture, remaining naturally relaxed, with an elevated neck and a nearly vertical head. The joints of the legs are flexible, the hind leg joints have greater mobility enabling strong steps, the hocks maintain an energetic forward drive, and the hind hooves land behind the prints of the front hooves on the same side. The stride is shorter than other trot types but appears lighter and more agile.

       This is a gait between the working trot and the extended trot, sharing the same rhythm and frequency, but the horse’s body is more elongated than in the working trot, and the speed is increased. The horse must maintain balance with the head and neck stretched forward and the body elongated. The hindquarters show clear forward drive, moving with even, moderately extended strides. The tempo is uniform, the movements balanced, and the posture unconstrained.

       Extended Trot

       Keeping the rhythm constant, the horse extends its stride as much as possible, thereby increasing speed. The extended trot demands more forward drive than the medium trot, with flexible and powerful hindquarter propulsion to maintain balance. The hooves land in a forward-reaching motion, with the front hooves touching down where intended. The horse’s elongated frame should match the forward extension of the neck and head. The movements of the front and hind legs should be parallel at the moment of extension, with the entire action well-balanced. The horse must remain “on the bit.”

       While posting at a trot, if the rider rises and sits in rhythm with the horse’s movement, it is called a rising trot, also known as a posting trot, which is one of the more commonly used trotting techniques. When the horse’s left front and right hind hooves land simultaneously, and the rider’s seat is in the saddle, it is considered “riding on the left diagonal.” When the horse’s right front and left hind hooves land together and the rider’s seat is in the saddle, it is considered “riding on the right diagonal.” It is generally believed that the correct way to ride is to be on the left diagonal when moving to the right and on the right diagonal when moving to the left. Riders should frequently alternate directions to ensure even development of the muscles and ligaments on both sides of the horse. To change diagonals, the rider simply adds an extra rise while sitting in the saddle before rising again.

       In a rising trot, the rider’s upper body leans slightly forward from the hips to maintain balance with the horse’s motion. However, in practice, as the rider rises, the shoulders move forward naturally rather than being intentionally leaned forward. The rider should feel as though they are being lifted by the horse’s movement and then gently return their seat to the saddle while maintaining balance. The rider’s center of gravity should not shift to the back of the saddle, and the hip and knee joints should remain flexible and coordinated with the rising motion. The lower legs should stay in contact with the horse’s sides, and the feet should remain level so that the calves do not slide forward when the rider rises in the stirrups, thus maintaining the correct posture. Unlike a regular trot where balance is maintained mainly through the seat, balance in a rising trot is achieved through the knees and the balls of the feet. Therefore, the seat should not be lifted too high off the saddle—just enough to match the rhythm. The elbows and shoulders should be relaxed and flexible, the arms should not swing, and the hands should maintain consistent rein contact in harmony with the rider’s rising and sitting motion. This is particularly important in a rising trot.

       Trot

       The canter, also known as the lope, is characterized by the horse first landing on one hind leg, followed by the second hind leg and the opposite foreleg simultaneously, and finally the remaining foreleg. It then lifts off the ground in the reverse order to repeat the sequence. A full canter stride has three beats, producing three hoof sounds, and includes a moment of suspension. When the left foreleg lands last (leading), it is called a left canter, with the sequence of hoofprints: right hind – left hind and right fore – left fore. When the right foreleg lands last (leading), it is a right canter, with the sequence: left hind – right hind and left fore – right fore.

       During the canter, the final foreleg to land bears significant impact and is most prone to fatigue. Therefore, training should alternate between left and right canters. All well-trained horses should be capable of performing both left and right canters. When the final leading foreleg and the final leading hind leg are on the same side, the canter is considered coordinated or “true.” When circling in an arena, horses naturally canter on the inside lead—left canter (left fore leading) when turning left, and right canter (right fore leading) when turning right. When a horse canters left with the right fore leading or right with the left fore leading, it is called a “false canter” or “counter canter,” which can feel uncomfortable for the rider.

       In the canter, it is crucial for the rider’s hips and lower back to remain relaxed, and the upper body should move in harmony with the horse’s rhythm. If the rider’s back is tense or stiff, they will bounce in the saddle, causing discomfort for both horse and rider. The hands should coordinate with the movement of the horse’s head and neck to maintain even and consistent rein contact. Depending on its stride length and speed, the canter is categorized into working canter, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter, and counter canter.

       Working Canter

       This is a gait between the collected and medium canters, typically seen in horses that are not yet fully trained but demonstrate proper self-carriage. The horse is expected to maintain a “collected” frame, with balanced, light, and rhythmic steps, and active hocks.

       Collected Canter

       The rhythm and tempo are the same as the working canter, but the horse’s frame is more compact, the strides are shorter, and the speed is slower. The horse must maintain a “collected” posture, with lively and powerful hindquarters, quick and agile forelegs, flexible and free shoulders, a raised neck, and the head held nearly vertical. The overall frame shows greater suppleness.

       Medium Canter

       This is a gait between the working canter and the extended canter. The horse’s frame is more extended than in the working canter, with longer strides and increased speed, while maintaining the same rhythm. The medium canter requires greater forward impulsion, especially from the hindquarters. The horse’s head and neck are slightly extended forward, with the head positioned slightly in front of the vertical line compared to the working and collected canters. The horse’s outline is elongated, and it must maintain a collected frame, moving forward smoothly and steadily with even strides and balanced, unconstrained movement.

       Extended Canter

       With the rhythm and tempo unchanged, the horse extends its frame and strides as much as possible without losing composure or lightness, resulting in increased speed. In this gait, the horse’s hindquarters generate substantial forward propulsion to maintain balanced movement. The extension of the horse’s body should align with the extension of the head and neck, and the horse must maintain a collected frame.

       Also known as the racing gallop, this is the fastest gait of the horse. Its characteristic is that the diagonal pairs of legs land separately, with a full stride consisting of four beats, producing four hoof sounds. For a left gallop, the sequence is: right hind – left hind – right fore – left fore; for a right gallop, it is: left hind – right hind – left fore – right fore. There is a brief moment of suspension when all four hooves are off the ground. However, due to the high speed, the landing of the front and hind hooves overlaps, so only two hoof sounds are audible. Riding at a gallop is thrilling but also carries certain risks. Therefore, riders must first establish a solid foundation of balance and strong control over the horse before attempting the gallop. As the horse gallops, its frame extends significantly, and as speed increases, so does the stride length or frequency. Regardless of speed, the gait remains rhythmic, and the horse maintains its balance.

       Effective control methods include pressing the stirrups forward with both feet, tightening the reins with both hands, holding one rein steady while rhythmically taking and releasing the other to engage the bit until the horse becomes responsive.

       Gait Transitions

       Gait transitions involve the rider using coordinated aids from the legs and hands to guide the horse from one gait to another. The transition should be smooth, accurate, and executed naturally while maintaining rhythm and balance. The horse should shift from one gait to another seamlessly without altering its frame. The quality of the original gait directly affects the success of the transition.

       Halt

       When halting, the horse must stop squarely and calmly, with its weight evenly distributed across all four legs and the front and hind hooves aligned. Throughout the halt, the horse must maintain balance and a “collected” frame, with slight contact with the rider’s hands (allowing the horse to softly mouth the bit). The rider must stay focused. The horse should not be halted abruptly while moving; instead, the rider should gradually slow the pace before coming to a complete stop.