Dressage Riding and mastering the Free Walk on a Long Rein …
Winning basic dressage points in the free walk and making sure you don’t lose points on basic dressage movements.
The free walk on a long rein is another area where the dressage rider can pick up an easy mark.
The rider should retain a light contact with the bit, rather than a loose rein.
The correct definition of free walk is maximum stretch with contact.
You can easily spot a dressage horse who doesn’t have a good free walk, as his steps will be affected.
Your horse may under track in free walk
If you have too much contact and do not allow your horse to stretch down.
Your horse may over track in free walk
If you allow too much stretch in the neck.
Basically … You should concentrate on the following points in free walk
- Try to maintain an active pace without rushing.
- Always make sure you maintain a long rein and not a loose rein.
- Always aim for maximum neck stretch, while maintaining the contact at all times.