Podcasts · Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

Riding Smooth & Balanced Upward Transitions with Your Horse

8 Nov 2021 · 12 min · Episode 1217

Episode Riding Smooth & Balanced Upward Transitions with Your Horse

0:00 12:03

How well do you ride upward transitions? For many riders, it can feel a little frustrating and ironic how many of them are anything but 'upward' as far as energy and lightness go! In fact, sometimes they can feel quite the opposite, flat.

Upward transitions are part and parcel of every single ride you do with your horse. From the 'halt to walk' one immediately after mounting up, to all of the others throughout the ride.

The quality of each upward transition you ride will directly impact where you find yourself with your horse immediately after the transition.

Meaning, if the transition from walk to the trot was not that well prepared and then performed, chances are that you will have to work at improving the trot itself once you get there. So, with all of this in mind, it makes sense to prepare and ride the best quality transitions you possibly can, in order to improve the whole ride.

Here are the 6 essential steps to begin riding better quality and more consistent upward transitions with your horse.