Long and Low for the Gaited Horse

A long and low riding position helps the gaited horse relax and stretch the muscles and break up pace with a four-beat walk sequence.

Riding your gaited horse in a long and low frame can improve the quality of all gaits. In dressage, long and low is called free walk on a long rein. The free walk on a long rein is a great way to start a young green horse, as well as begin and end every ride on a horse of any level of training. This long and low position helps the horse relax and stretch the top line muscles. It also helps the horse slow down into a four-beat walk sequence with maximum over track.

The DVD “Training the Gaited Horse from the Trail to the Rail” by gaited horse trainers Gary Lane with Anita Howe offers tips to resolve pacing by using long and low.

Anita builds her foundation in the easy-gaits by encouraging a forward flat walk in a long and low frame. Over time of consistent and regular training, the gaited horse will have developed top line muscles and established a consistent four-beat step. Then more tempo can be added into the smooth gait.


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