How much time do you spend working your horse in walk when youre schooling? Of all the paces, walk is the most overlooked. We walk to warm up and get moving, but were keen to transition to trot as soon as possible.According to dressage rider and trainer Emma Woolley, walk is the most difficult gait to train in a horse, presenting all kinds of interesting problems.How your horse walks, therefore, demands attention so that you dont lose valuable marks in your dressage test.Walk movements are included at all levels of training and competing, from youngsters in-hand to grand prix level dressage, and some are worth double marks.Schooling in walk can also help to develop and improve your horses way of going in the other paces too.Types of horse walkWalk is a four-beat gait. When viewed from the side, you should be able to see a distinct V shape formed by the handle and the corresponding foreleg just before the fore hoof lifts, explains Emma.A horses walk is a pace without suspension. This mean there will always be at least two hooves on the ground at any given point in the sequence at no stage are all four hooves in the air.Free walkIn free walk, the horse is relaxed and supple over their back. Their head and neck stretches out and down, and there is a clear over-track (this is where the hind hoof steps in front of the hoof print made by the foreleg, rather than in it.Free walk is a movement included in all dressage tests up to medium level. This movement is ridden on a long rein, not a loose one. Your horse should march forwards and look as if theyre going somewhere, says Emma.Extended walkIn extended walk, the horse is in a longer frame and showing maximum ground cover with a greater over-track than the other types of walk.Horses are required to show extended walk in elementary tests upwards. When done correctly, your horse is in a long frame, stretching out their head and neck and covering as much ground as possible, adds Emma.Collected walkIn collected work, the horse has shorter steps and is showing more elevation and activity in hind leg. The rider has a shorter rein and the horse is working in a higher frame.A horse is first asked to show collected walk in dressage tests at medium level. It isnt an easy pace to ride and train, and I recommend that you wait until your horse can confidently collect their trot and canter before tackling collection in walk, advises Emma.Medium walkA horse is expected to show medium walk in all dressage tests, starting at intro level. The horse should stride forward with purpose (think marching) and the rhythm should be regular and relaxed, but with energy. The judge will be looking to see that the footfalls are correct and the rhythm is consistent.What does a good horse walk look like?In the following video, Emma demonstrates free, extended and collected horse walk:How to train a horse in walkThere are times when it is a particularly good idea to spend time training at a slower pace. Perhaps the horse you are riding is not fit, the ground is hard in the summer or soft in winter, or youre warming up cold muscles for a schooling session. In these scenarios, training horse at walk comes into its own.Exercise 1: Create supplenessRiding exercises in walk is a great way to develop your horses suppleness. It also prepares a horse for whatever is coming next in the session, says Emma, who beginsby first checking her horses reactions.Ill ask my horse to transition from free walk to a medium walk, and then walk to halt. Im looking to see whether they are reacting quickly enough without snatching the bit or falling onto the forehand.Your horse should be even in the hand, with the same amount of bit showing on each side of the mouth. Once theyre moving forwards nicely, sit with your legs hanging loose and let your horse walk on without you nagging with your legs.When I transition to trot, I want the first stride to give me a good feel, adds Emma. If Ive done the work in walk, this is usually the case.If not, I go back to walk and work on it some more. When you dont do this, the trot can take too long to come together.Exercise 2: Improve stiffness and hollownessThis exercise is ridden on a 15m or 20m circle, depending on what your horse can cope with. It creates softness and suppleness in horses of any age and all levels of training.How to do itUse your inside rein to softly flex your horse so that their nose comes around towards your toes. Its not a forced movement dont take them further than theyre capable of, says Emma.Hold your horse in this position as you walk, until you feel them melting into a soft outline and accepting the bit.Once this has happened, release the horse into a long, low stretch.Exercise 3: Move laterallyI train all lateral work in walk first to ensure my horse understands what Im asking, and to give them time to take it all in, explains Emma. It also develops evenness and flexibility.One of Emmas favourite exercises is to ride a shoulder-in to renvers.The long side of the school is a good place to ride this as having the boundary of the arena fence helps your horse to stay on the right line without wobbling, she explains.Ask for shoulder-in first and hold this until the horse feels balanced. Then change the bend into renvers, without halting. Its a soft change so theres no need to rush the horse, continues Emma.Your legs are there to keep the sideways movement and forward momentum. Straighten up before the end of the long side and ride away.Exercise 4: Random movementsRiding a turn-on-the-forehand and turn-on-the-haunches creates suppleness and helps your horse to understand and respect the leg aids. Riding the movements randomly also encourages the, to listen.I walk in a large square initially and ask for either a turn on the forehand or haunches in the corners to put us onto the next straight line, explains Emma, from WSC Dressage.Sometimes I make this a 180-degree turn to change the rein.Keep your horse interested by mixing up the exercises. Go large and make the turns in the corners, for instance, or ride a circle.To add to the suppling effect Ill sometimes ask for a bend in the turn, and then other times Ill keep the horse straight. There are no rules to this, adds Emma.Main mage & video: copyright Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media LtdRelated contentFour types of trot explained *VIDEO*Beginners guide to the dressage arenaCorrect aids for riding leg yieldDressage saddles to help you perform at your bestThe post How to improve a horses walk *VIDEO* appeared first on Your Horse.

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Could the saddle youre riding in mean the difference between a winning dressage score and a losing one? Ask a competitive rider this question and the answer will usually be, Yes it can.Buying a dressage saddle had a massive impact, I would never change back, says Zoe Burgess, who competes her 11-year-old Irish Sports Horse, Blue.It improved everything and that was reflected in our dressage marks we were scoring in the mid 60s with our GP saddle, but since we purchased our Fairfax dressage saddle we now score around 69-72%.We used to be happy hackers but then we started doing some schooling and dressage competitions. As I got more into it I thought my position could improve so I tried some dressage saddles and Ive never looked back.The Fairfax dressage saddle holds me in a better position, it changes how I hold my core and allows my leg to be longer.Dressage saddles v GPs: whats the difference?There is a vast choice of dressage saddles on the market. It is acceptable to ride in a GP saddle in dressage, but at the top end of the sport and increasingly at grassroots level riders choose a purpose-made dressage saddle that puts them in the optimum position for riding a test, as well as flatwork training at home.A deeper seatOne of the main differences between dressage saddles and GP saddles are that the former has a deeper seat to help the rider sit into their horse and support correct rider position.Straight cutDressage saddles also boast longer, straighter flaps to allow riders to lengthen their stirrups, ride with a longer leg and encourage them to sit in a more centralised, deeper seat.While one of the features of a dressage saddle is that its more comfortable for the rider, you need to ensure the saddle doesnt lock them into position, says Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) qualified saddle fitter and British Equestrian level 4 coach Steph Bradley.The rider needs to have their own balance and use the saddle as a guide to help them.Longer girth strapsAnother key difference is that dressage saddles have longer billets or girth straps, so the buckle doesnt sit under the riders leg. It is located below the saddle flap instead.The buckles of a dressage girth fasten on the brachio-plexus nerve cluster, which is an extremely sensitive part of the horses anatomy. Its important that there is padding underneath the buckle so that the horse only feels pressure from the pad and not from the buckle itself, explains Steph.Single saddle flapMany dressage saddles also feature the monoflap design, which allows riders a much closer contact with their horses side. One of the things I also really like about monoflap saddles is that theyre much lighter to carry.Monoflap saddles allow you to refine your aids better as you have that extra feel of the horse and less leather to communicate through, says Steph.New to the marketNew to the market are dressage saddles with modular panels, which easily clip on and clip off using a special click system.This concept from Aviar Saddles is useful for horses who are changing shape, such as those horses currently lacking in muscle.You can clip a deeper panel on for that period of time and then change it. I also like the fact you can swap to a flock panel from a foam panel and vice versa.WOW Saddles claims to have the first modular saddle.This concept means you can mix and match seat and saddle flap designs to suit you as a rider.For your horse, it means there are a choice of panels, head-plates and tree curvatures to suit their conformation.Correct fitAs with all tack, dressage saddles must fit their intended horse. This means their type, shape and conformation should be taken into account before you buy.The saddle should also be professionally fitted by a SMS qualified saddle fitter. Have the fit checked regularly to ensure it continues to fit properly.Along with fitting the horse correctly, dressage saddles also need to fit their riders. As with horses, riders come in different shapes and sizes, and so the saddle needs to work for them too.This ensures maximum comfort for both horse and rider and it allows for optimal performance.Horses and riders both have unique conformation, so it can be tricky to find a saddle which fits both together. If the saddle doesnt fit the rider properly then the rider will not be able to use their seat and back effectively, continues Steph.Choosing a dressage saddlePersonal preference also comes into play when choosing a dressage saddle. Some people prefer the stirrup bars to be further back or find a narrower or broader twist more comfortable.If you are tight in the hips like I am, then a saddle with a narrower twist may be more comfortable. You just need to ensure that its also suitable for your horse.Saddle fit is a very personal thing to a rider and their individual conformation, advises Steph. Depending on how their pelvis is tilted affects how their femur hangs and how they hold their leg.This not only affects the seat which will be most comfortable, but also which thigh rolls are most suitable as your conformation will influence the angle of thigh block you use.As well as the wide variety of different styles, designs and sizes on the market, dressage saddles also come in a range of materials and colours and can be individualised with coloured trims, stitching and thigh blocks.Dressage saddles that top riders chooseCarl HesterCarl uses both PDS Saddles Brioso and Hesters Jaguar models on his horses. Each PDS Saddle is individually made, which allows the rider a choice of seat size, panel width and flap length. You can also select the stitch colour and cantle leathers.The Brioso tends to fit most of my horses, and I like the seat as it is supportive and not too wide in the twist, says Carl.The thigh blocks are very soft and perfectly positioned for almost any rider. Some of my staff are small females and they find the saddles just as supportive and comfortable as I do, even though their legs arent as long.The individual Jacobs wool flocked panels offer a generous weight-bearing surface and the channel is wide giving the horses spine plenty of clearance on either side.The gullet bars can be changed to make a saddle narrower or wider. This also means that if the horse changes shape or you change your horse the saddle can be re fitted.Isabell WerthThe most medalled Olympic equestrian of all time who won team gold and individual silver for Germany at the recent Paris Games partnered with Wintec on their Isabell Icon saddle.Isabell rides her horses in a Wintec saddle when dressage training at home. It is a synthetic saddle, with Wintecs signature changeable gullet system inside.The Wintec is very light and you can change [the gullet] very easily, so it makes sense to use it for younger horses, says Isabell.I love to work with the young horses because this is the start. If the saddle fits the horse in the right way and you as a rider feel comfortable, then this equipment, this package, is top and ou can make a good horse into a champion.Roberta SheffieldMy Tokyo Olympics horse, Fairuza, has the typical flat wide back shape of her Gelders horse heritage, making her a challenge to fit. Bliss of London have been able to bespoke create saddles for her throughout her development from the skinny wide tube for her younger years to the mature muscular frame she sports now, explains Canadian paralympian Roberta Sheffield.As a Paralympic rider with significant disability issues it is immensely important to me that my saddles fit my horses in perfect balance so I can use my seat to its full effect.My seat is my most important aid and nothing must ever compromise our two-way conversation. My body wont allow me to compensate for poorly fitting tack.Austin OConnorAustin OConnor, winner of the 2023 Maryland 5* in the USA, rides in Childeric Saddles.The horses feel so much freedom in the dressage saddles and I feel very comfortable and balanced in them, he says.Trish from Childeric Saddles is extremely particular when she comes and checks all the horses, which she does on a regular basis, adapting the saddles as soon as they need it.The quality of the saddles and the attention to detail in the fitting makes a huge difference to my horses and I only have good things to say about Childeric Saddles.Dressage saddles: a fitters viewAs a saddle fitter, as long as you have the saddle you need which fits you and your horse, after that its personal choice, says Steph Bradley.Many riders prefer leather saddles. Erreplus [made in Italy] use the strong and versatile bull leather, while Buffalo Vienna is a suede type of leather used by Aviar Saddles which gives the rider more friction with the saddle seat.You can also get synthetic saddles, where the seats material doesnt have as much give and for some they can feel hard. But if you do a lot of beach riding or ride somewhere which is very muddy they can be brilliant as they are easy to wash off.Find an SMS qualified saddle fitterShop for dressage saddlesFairfax Classic Deluxe Low Wither Monoflap DressageThe manufacturer says: Designed for stability and comfort on all low wither conformations, including natives and cobs, this saddle has slimline panels and a low profile for closeness, stability and comfort. Adjustable thanks to a changeable gullet bar and pure wool flocking.RRP 2,490 (US$2,450)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase herePDS Saddles PDS BriosoThe manufacturer says: The PDS Brioso offers a new and improved girthing system with three girth straps, including a point strap to choose the most suitable solution for the horse. It fits the horse that has a typical warmblood conformation, with a wide back and big shoulder. The Brioso is flocked with Jacobs wool and features a double leather skirt design.RRP 4,200 (US$5,335)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereWintec Isabell IconThe manufacturer says:Designed for the dressage rider with serious aspirations and perfectly suited for training horses at every level. Sink into the perfectly crafted, ultra-deep, and grippy seat and feel perfectly balanced and poised to focus on your aids. Fine-tune your position by moving the stirrup bar for optimal comfort. Communication with your horse will be effortless as the saddle enables your leg to find a natural groove for easy contact. Available in black or brown.RRP 1,399 (US$1,625)Buying in the UK? Find out moreBuying in the USA? Purchase hereBliss of London Bliss Sportiva Dressage FLXThe manufacturer says: The Bliss Sportiva Dressage FLX is a performance saddle which combines twin flap styling with a Monoflap edge. The saddle is the ultimate in horse and rider comfort and offers the first fully interchangeable knee block. It is made from luxurious French Calf, which provides the perfect amount of grip while still allowing independent movement in the seat.RRP 4,140Buying in the UK? Find out more hereChilderic DPL DressageThe manufacturer says: Designed to give a closer connection between the rider and the horse while simultaneously giving greater freedom of movement for the horse through the shoulder and back. The DPL dressage saddle is equipped with specially-shaped foam panels to guarantee optimal contact. These panels make it possible to increase comfort on the horses back and allows it to adapt to subtle changes in the horse for the perfect fit.RRP from 5,350 (US$7,000)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereAmerigo ClassicThe manufacturer says:The Amerigo Classic is great for horses with higher withers that drop sharply to the deepest point of the back while the top line remains straight.This saddle contains a wooden tree with MPS synthetic flock panels and is available in calf skin, plain leather or grip leather.It boasts a nice deep seat for the rider and can be fully customised with blocks. From the fashion side, coloured piping stirrup leather keepers and stitching is available.RRP from 4,550 (US$5,700)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereKent & Masters Competition DressageThe manufacturer says:This saddle is available in black only and will suit you if you are looking for the professional close-contact feel of a monoflap design. It has a hide-covered flap for a luxurious look and feel, while patent welt and piping add luxurious finishing touches. There is atrue dressage seat that isnt too forward, and a surface mounted block to offer leg support for the rider without restriction. We use 100% British flockingandthere is a changeable gullet barRRP 1,490 (US$1,995)Buying in the UK?Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereThorowgood T8 DressageThe manufacturer says: A dressage-specific tree and moveable under-flap thigh blocks combine to help the rider maintain a balanced dressage position while riding in this saddle. Its low profile panels offer closer rider contact and three built-in girthing options ensure maximum saddle stability. It has a quality leather seat and knee pads to give the feel of riding on an all-leather saddle. This dressage saddle is flocked with 100% British wool and features Thorowgoods easy-to-change gullet bars. A high wither version is also available.RRP 745 (US$945)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereMain image: copyright ShutterstockRelated contentHow to improve your horses walk? *VIDEO*Four types of trot explained *VIDEO*Beginners guide to the dressage arenaHow to check the fit of your saddle *VIDEO*Essential tack for every riding horseThe post Why the saddle you ride in affects your dressage marks appeared first on Your Horse.

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By: UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC From his native Australia to Florida and next to Paris, Robin Bell, B.V.Sc., lives and breathes elite performance horses. As a clinical professor and equine sports medicine specialist at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Bell spends his days safeguarding the health and well-being of some of the worlds most exceptional equine competitors. He is one of[...]Read MoreThe post UF Professor Back From Paris After Serving as Veterinarian for Team Australia appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

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Coyle scores in Cashel Palace Stakes, Swail lands Speed Derby Old friends Daniel Coyle and Conor Swail maintained the supremacy of Irish athletes in five-star competition on the second day of the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS in Ballsbridge today. Following the triumphant efforts at elite level of Darragh Kenny and Francis Derwin yesterday, the Ulster duo took up the baton in the Main Arena this afternoon, and there was a strong Irish support cast too to ensure a significant feeling of goodwill and momentum ahead of tomorrows Aga Khan Trophy. Paris Olympian Coyle took the honours in the days feature, the 56,800 Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes, on Incredible, the 11-year-old gelding he co-owns with his patron, Ariel Grange. Five-star winners of a 1.55m speed class at Rotterdam in June, the pair delivered in both power and pace stepped up to 1.60m this afternoon. A total of 11 of []