When it comes to horses, riding, and training rhythm is often misunderstood and taken for granted. I think this is because horses are generally good at creating a pattern, but also, we tend to simply accept the first version of rhythm that’s served up to us! And while that version will certainly be a pattern, it’s the quality we need to begin paying attention to.
A good quality rhythm can dramatically transform a lot when it comes to riding and training your horse; it’s well worth your time, attention, and effort to improve.
In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I will help you to understand rhythm as it relates to your horse. How to know if you’re simply accepting what’s there, and how you can begin to improve it for you both as well.
What is Rhythm?
In its most basic form, rhythm is a recurring sequence. Think of it as the beats or “1, 2, 3, 4” we commonly associate with music – or your horse’s hoofbeats as he moves. Your horse is naturally quite rhythmic… However, as I’ve said, this is probably not the best version of the sequence available to him right now!
Walk, for example, as a reoccurring 4 time beat; meaning that each of the hooves touches down individually but in a set sequence that reoccurs over and over again. All your horses gaits have a repeating sequence or rhythm.
Much like music, there’s a difference between a rhythm we enjoy and one that just doesn’t feel right. For riders, developing rhythm is about creating a consistent, clear pattern that feels harmonious, comfortable, and “just right” for both horse and rider.
Step 1: Assess the Current Rhythm
To improve your horse’s rhythm, you first need to understand what’s currently happening. Begin by observing your horse at the walk, the foundation for all other gaits. Find the sequence that repeats over and over. Then begin to question the ‘quality’ of that pattern. Are each of the beats clearly defined? Or do they all blend together in a rushed, shuffle way?
Action Step: As you ride, pay attention to each beat of your horse’s walk. Count out loud: “One, two, three, four.” Notice if there’s space between each beat, or if they’re running together.
Step 2: Creating Space
One of the ways that you can begin to think about improving the rhythm is to notice the space between the beats. So often, we only think about the beats. The 1,2,3,4. However, if we listen or observe more closely, we will notice that it’s really 1. 2. 3. 4. . And it’s the ‘space’ that we can use as a way to gauge if we are having a positive impact or not.
A good quality rhythm requires definition – the space between each beat. Think of this as giving each step its own time and place. This helps your horse move more fluidly and encourages relaxation and balance.
Action Step: Notice the space between each beat as your horse walks. Using your aids, especially your half halt, see if you can begin to create more clarity between each beat But make sure you’re not disrupting the rhythm itself.
Step 3: Rhythm versus Tempo
What many riders find useful is to slow the temp but to allow the rhythm to remain unchanged. However, where they go ‘wrong’ is that they slow the horse down – not just the tempo! It’s essential to understand that rhythm and tempo are related but different. Rhythm is the pattern or sequence of repeating footfalls; tempo is the speed at which that rhythm repeats.
Speeding up or slowing down the tempo, especially when unintentionally done, can negatively disrupt the rhythm. Instead, focus on achieving a rhythm you like first, then find a tempo that supports it.
Action Step: Once you’ve found a rhythm you like, begin playing with adjusting the tempo. Remember, it’s the same sequence or pattern, there will just be more or less of them, the 1. 2. 3. 4. , over a set period or distance.
Step 4: Maintaining Forwardness
The next challenge you might experience is that your gait (in this case the walk) will begin to lack energy or forwardness. Without forwardness, a good-quality rhythm becomes impossible. Often by intentionally slowing the tempo too much, we can sacrifice the energy. And this, will in turn, ruin the pattern!
Energy, both physical and mental, is essential for rhythm. Forwardness doesn’t mean rushing – it means that your horse is engaged, active, and moving with purpose.
Action Step: Continue to experiment with rhythm and tempo while ensuring that your horse maintains forwardness. If the rhythm itself changes, such as it becomes inconsistent or begins to feel ‘stuck in the mud’, there’s a good chance that you’ve lost forwardness. Re-establish and try again.
Step 5: Moving Out of Walk
Each gait has its own unique rhythm and tempo:
Walk: As I have mentioned, the walk is a four-beat gait. This coupled with the fact that it is naturally slower, makes it easier for riders to work with. But this is also why we, the riders, can end up having a longer-term negative impact on it. So be careful!
Trot: The trot is a two-beat gait. This can often feel really fast (think sewing machine!), or really slow (think dragging the back legs and barely moving forward!). Play with using your aids and how you post to influence the rhythm. And then work on how well you can maintain through different movements and patterns.
Canter: The canter has a natural 3-time beat. The second beat is made up of two hooves moving together in a diagonal pair. However, the rhythm is often compromised if the tempo is too slow. The ‘diagonal’ pair that creates the 2nd beat no longer moves together, and then creates a 4-beat rhythm. This is not canter! Forwardness here is crucial.
Action Step: Work on each gait individually. Start by noticing what the current rhythm is and then, the space in between the beats. From there, play with the tempo inside of that gait, without changing the rhythm.
Step 6: Maintain Rhythm Through Changes
Once you understand and are comfortable identifying the sequence and tempo at a basic level in each gait, you are ready to begin practicing how to maintain it. This can often feel like a challenge when you add transitions, turns, and circles into the mix.
However, practicing this will help you to establish a consistent rhythm that serves you and your horse regardless of what you’re doing. Not just when conditions are perfect!
Remember, rhythm isn’t just about “having a beat.” It’s about creating a consistent, clear structure that helps your horse move in harmony with you. Once you can identify where you and your horse are right now, you can then begin to create clarity around every single beat going forward.
Happy Riding
Lorna
Private Virtual Coaching
If you’re interested in more in-depth, personalized coaching on this and other key topics, consider my private virtual coaching program, Connection. Together, we can work to bring out the best in both you and your horse in the comfort of your own arena. Find out more at https://training.stridesforsuccess.com/connection
Similar Episodes to Help with this Topic
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- FREE Half Halt Training
- Understanding & Refining Your Half Halt
- Sprinkling Half Halts All Over the Arena
- Retraining Rushing; Start with the Rider-First
- Redefining the Rhythm in Canter in Riding
- Rhythm; Learning to Identify and Develop it in the Canter
- Relaxation when Riding a ‘Hot’ or Sensitive Horse
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Online Training to Help Your Riding
Connect with Lorna online:-
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- Connect in the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast
- Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191
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