DR. JUDY DOWNERCOLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

OCALA, FL

Gait Analysis

Object of Dressage

Harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse…as revealed by the freedom and regularity of the gaits And other things like lightness of the forehand,

acceptance of the bridle and more that is beyond the scope of this presentation.

We will examine gaits

WalkTrotCanterAnd how the rider

can influence the quality of each

The Walk

A marching gait“Four time”Footfalls follow one

anotherLegs on same side

form a “V”

Walk Gait Sequence

4 beats; 8 phasesVaries between 2 and

3 legs in stanceRegular rhythm

1-2-3-4 Not 1-2---3-4

Rhythm = timing of footfalls

Tempo = speed

Faults

Lateral or paceLack of reach

(forelegs)Lack of overstep

(hindlegs)Lack of energyRestricted neck

oscillations

Rider Aids and Actions

Arms must allow neck oscillation

Seat follows action (slides forward as elbows bend backward)

Legs applied alternately to develop greater reach and activity

The Trot

“Two Time” on alternate diagonal legs separated by moment of suspension

Free, active and regular steps

No obvious neck oscillation (front to back or side to side)

Lengthening the gaits

Longer steps, not quicker steps

Must engage hind end to push up and forward

For medium and extended gaits, horse must rise up through sternum/withers to allow more freedom of shoulders

Trot Biomechanics

2 beats; 4 phasesDiagonal legs in

stance followed by suspension

Angle of cannon bones should be similar for front and rear legs

Faults of the Trot

Lack of suspensionLack of energy or

impulsion Loss of 2-beat or not

tracking up or lack of ground cover

Neck oscillation

Rider Aids and Actions

Posting tempo can control horse’s tempo

Steady, elastic hands create steady, elastic connection

Legs create impulsion; half-halts develop balance

The Canter

“Three time”, two leads, moment of suspension

Light, cadenced and regular strides

Straight

Canter Biomechanics

3 beats; 6 phasesVaries between 1, 2

or 3 legs in stanceSingle period of

suspension

Angle of non-lead hind leg at landing should be perpendicular to ground or slightly forward

Faults of the Canter

Lack of suspensionLoss of diagonal

pairing (loss of energy or impulsion)

Trailing non-lead hind leg (lack of engagement)

Restriction of neck oscillation

Rider Aids and Actions

Arms allow neck oscillation

Outside rein aligns shoulders in front of hips

Seat follows action (same as walk)

Suspension

Trot has twoCanter has oneFlying change must

occur during suspension between leading fore leg and opposite hind leg Therefore don’t train it

over a rail or jump

Jumping

Support into base of jump to control horse

Release of connection over jump

Rider problems over fences

Blending your aids to smooth communication

Forward aids Following seat Elastic connection

allowing neck oscillation

Legs say “go” Soft hands allow

forward motion but don’t “drop” connection

Stopping or balancing aids (half halts) Seat stops following Legs continue to push

forward into bit Upper arms and core

establish “wall of resistance”

Summary

Horse’s neck must oscillate forward and back in walk and canter Restriction limits

reach and activityRider can improve or

worsen quality of gait

Thank You!

Special thanks to my demo riders Elliott Blackmon and Jenna Detandt and my horses Wunderbar and Nimbus