Ideas for improving the walk?

[popdog]

Could anyone give any schooling tips/techniques for getting my pony to really stride out in walk?

He is naturally laid back and prefers to pootle around at his own pace. I want to get him going forward more easily so I'm looking for exercises I can do in the school with him.

[Joyscarer]

How about some poles? Also try sticking in a few transitions and circles to get him stepping under :)

[vimto92]

Agree with joyscarer, try the scattered poles exercise also, so you can hold the stride in some parts and push in others.

Lots of collection and extension work, ie collect on short sides of school and push REALLY push the walk on so your *almost* trotting but not on the long sides.

Transitions!

Things such as changes of flexion (ie riding a circle, then looking to over your outside shoulder, going in that direction changing the flexion), leg yield, turn on the forehand will all get him engaged behind.

[popdog]

Thank you ;)

[wonkeywoody]

Try transitions within the pace. ie slow the walk (and trot) as much as you can, then allow to walk at own pace, then ask for more, then go back thro speed. Do this every few strides. When you are asking for faster walk, swing your arms too in time with what you want. This stops you just nagging with your legs and lossens up your back and seat so it is encouraged to 'swing' which is what you want your horse to do.
Mine is a terribly 'lazy' walker. I've been doing this for a few weeks and am slowly noticing a difference in his 'normal' walk.