A faster walk??? HELP!!

[Fizzy's mum]

Hi there,

This is probably going to sound really thick now, but I can honestly say I have not been taught this, so thats why I am asking you experts!....

So the question is....

How do I get a more forward walk without getting a trot?

Do you gently squeeze with alternate legs while in the walk?

Sorry to appear thick but I need your help!!

Thanks,

Lucy

[han_x]

Well its not as such as faster walk its more of a active rhythm created. Horses should always keep in a steady rhythm and to help encourage the horse to move more forward without breaking into a 'jog' or a trot its just the case of gentle squeeshing with the lower leg, if the horses thinks you want a trot just give a slightly half halt with the outside rein, also voice is very good.

[Fizzy's mum]

And the half halt...?? My RI said its both reins quick squeeze and release, my friends RI said its one rein.

What is the correct answer??

Thanks!

[Fizzy's mum]

Sorry, you answered my second question... wally that I am!

The outside rein!

Thanks!

[han_x]

No problem ;)

[Kittycat]

I have also been taught that a half halt involves your seat as well. Essentially the same aids as for halt, but quicker and lighter.:)

[han_x]

You are correct :) To do a complete halt, weight is very important, you should be able to make a horse stand without the use of your reins

[Fizzy's mum]

Thanks everyone,

yes was watching You Tube "horse problems australia" and the man on there demonstrates a halt with no reins... very impressive!

[cwb]

You should be able to get an active walk without the use of the half halt which really only "collects" the horse by making it step under more without going faster - this may feel like a more active walk.

I think your first surmise was correct, use your legs alternately as the belly of the horse swings away from them to encourage the horse to move with more impulsion but let the impulsion out through the front of the horse to speed the walk up until the horse is nodding its head - almost into trot but not quite. If the horse goes into trot then you need the half halt to restrain it.

[Fizzy's mum]

Thanks for that... would you say it would be a "push across" with each alternate leg or more a gentle "brush"??

[cwb]

I just follow the swing with my leg so she feels a little nudge as each foot comes under and the belly starts to swing back - almost as if you were making the belly swing greater with your leg.

I also sit foward and lighten my seat a little and give with the reins to encourage her.

[RustyMary]

Think faster too - I don't know how this works but it does. Think about going faster, but still with four beats so she doesn't start to trot, sit up and feel more energy in yourself. Horses respond to very subtle signals - or they are telepathic, I'm not sure which!

[allthegearnoidea]

I think a good walk is the hardest pace to achieve, the enlightened equitation book also mentions pushing with alternate legs as the horses belly swings underneath,as though pushing the belly across i think its to do with which rear leg is raised ie it lightens/encourages forward/speed the leg that is raised by putting a (human!) leg on that side that is suspended-if that makes sense, also they talk about using your bottom in two halfs as, lifting each side individually as though each were a plunger sucking up the horses back.I think you have to be careful with that one though as it could be percived as a block or slowing down aid to the horse, if not aplied correctly.

[Cobgirl]

I agree with many here, getting a horse to walk with momentum is difficult but it can be done. My loan girlie is a prime example of a lazy cob at times. So when we are warming up or going out for a short hack, I make sure that she achieves a good walk and not trot!! The main reason for this is that the horse cannot carry his own weight and yours adequately with a snails pace walk, so it is best if they track-up that is, bring their hind legs forward placing them almost where their front legs were, this makes sure that their muscles are supporting the weight they are carrying. this is achieved in a good paced walk.

Be centre balanced so that your weight is evenly distributed, your seatbones are correctly placed. Light but firm contact with the horse's mouth. As the horse's inside shoulder begins to swing forward, squeeze with your right lower leg and likewise as the left shoulder begins to swing forward squeeze with your left lower leg. This ensures that the horse keeps his momentum. It sometimes is like hard work but worth it in the end, as good walking helps build up those muscles, yours and the horses, lol!!

Hope this helps.

[Fizzy's mum]

Thanks for all your advice... its funny you kind of take the Walk gait for granted when you start riding.... but as you have more lessons and time goes by, I feel like I know less and less! Either that or I just need to learn more and more!

I think I am going to get that book Enlightened Equitation as have heard lots of good reports!

[allthegearnoidea]

Thats the trouble with riding, the more you learn the more you realise you dont know.Its like an unobtainable goal.Never mind!!
I would get the heather moffat book if you can, its very good and explains things in simple to understand english.