The Walk

The walk is the slowest of a horse's paces. It is a four-time movement in which each footfall is distinct. The sequence is left rear, left front, right rear, right front.

Walk

Collected and Extended Paces

The horse doesn't have just one speed at each of the paces. He has a 'working' pace which is a natural, steady movement at any of the paces.

If you liken the horse's body to a spring, in a collected pace it is like compressing the spring - the hind legs come well underneath and the neck comes back. The steps are short and springy with lightness.

In an extended pace it is as though the spring has been stretched - more ground is covered with each pace and the body of the horse is elongated.

Next - the trot.

Comments

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maura 18th Apr 01

Some horses tend to relax when walking.

Christy 11th Jun 01

My horse, American Angle, seems to have one speed only for the walk. What kind of aids can i give her to get her to extend her stride at a walk?

Collette 20th Aug 01

Christy- you can use your legs alternatively to *push* the horses barrel over while the hing leg is stepping under. By using your left leg when the left hind is stepping under and your right leg for the right hind you can increase the speed of the walk, and engage the hindquarters.
Great site by the way.

Tammy West 18th Nov 01

I have terrible problems with one of my horses - Berta 10 yr old Gypsy Vanner-I have owned her for two years(she was a trekking pony) now she jumps, hunts, xcountry everything except dressage and the dreaded rein back. She will not work on the bit for and lack of rein back stopped her getting placed at a HOYS qualifier this year - can any one give me advice on teaching her this manouver?

Mary-Lynne 2nd Dec 02

Hi

I have been riding for about a year and a half and I was wondering about the importance of the foot position. My instructor is always saying I have to keep my foot straight ahead when I often tend to stick my toes out at an angle (not a major angle) - how important is it that the foot always stays straight. I have seen many people competing who also don't keep their feet straight ahead.

Thanks

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