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.
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Your horse may under track in free walk
If you have too much contact and do not allow your horse to stretch down.
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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.