A great way to introduce the leg yield is along the fence or wall of the arena.
The leg yield is a great exercise for pacey gaited horses. The diagonal footfall of the leg yield break ups the lateral sequence of the pace for smooth gait.
In 1988, I was riding an off-the-track thoroughbred who knew nothing about dressage. Same as me. It was my first dressage lesson. Green rider, green horse is not usually the best combination. At least I was committed to regular dressage lessons.
Anyhow, during this first dressage lesson is when I was introduced to the leg yield. It is a great introductory exercise for horses and riders. It teaches the use and timing of the rein, leg, and seat aids of the rider to direct the horse in a forward, slightly angled direction in a rather straight position. For a green horse, it is an introduction to what the rider aids mean.
Introducing the leg yield along the fence
The leg yield is not a sideways movement, but a forward angled movement. A great way to introduce the leg yield is along the fence or wall of the arena at a slow walk. In a leg yield, the horse moves away from the leg cue and steps its hind leg under its belly towards the opposite front leg. Once the horse understands moving away from the rider’s lower leg alongside the fence, the leg yield can be introduced from the quarter line to the fence.
Rider cues to leg yield
Start by positioning the horse along the quarter line between your rein, seat and leg aids; encourage the horse to walk straight a few steps
Then apply and release the lower leg along the girth just as the horse’s hind leg is about to step forward. The timing of the rider’s leg cue is important to urge the horse’s hind leg to step forward under the belly toward the opposite forefoot.
Since horses tend to over bend the neck or lead with their shoulders as they learn the leg yield. Help the horse remain fairly straight from the bridle, shoulders and hips. Maintain contact with the outside rein to keep the head, neck and shoulder straight. If the horse gets stiff in the jaw, use your inside fingers and massage the rein to encourage a soft contact.
After the horse understands leg yield at a walk along the fence and from the quarter line to the fence with relaxation, rhythm, and balance, then introduce leg yield at a flat walk. Begin with a couple steps of leg yield at a flat walk and then proceed in a straight line. Increase the number of leg yield steps until the horse is able to travel gradually from the quarter line to the fence (or arena wall).
The next progression of the leg yield is from the quarter line to the fence and then the centerline to the fence.
Video: Leg Yield at a Walk
Naturally Gaited Tennessee Walking Horse performing the leg yield at a walk.
Video: Leg Yield at a Flat Walk
After my horse understands the leg yield at a walk, then I increase the tempo to a slow smooth gait.
Video: Zig Zag Leg Yield at a Flat Walk
Naturally Gaited Tennessee Walking Horse performing the leg yield at a flat walk.
Once your horse understands the leg yield in both directions, the next progression is the zig zag at a walk and then a flat walk. The horse leg yields one direction and then changes to the other direction.
Lady (naturally grade gaited horse) shown at a fox trot, Makana (naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse) shown at a flat walk and Marvel (naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse) shown at a dog walk.
From me and my furry friends to you and yours, have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
—Jennifer Klitkze
I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.
A year ago, I acquired a three-year-old unstarted gaited horse thanks to the help of a friend. Today this four-year-old and I are riding dressage solo through the woods. Here’s a review of this colt’s first year under saddle with dressage.
A Year in Review: Dressage with an Unstarted Gaited Horse
By Jennifer Klitzke
Mary and I have been horse friends for many years. Then COVID closed the world and drew everyone apart. The internet helped us stay connected, at least 1D. It is hard to ride horses that way, though. Thankfully, my horses are near.
Only, my horses are getting up in age. So are we, according to my husband.
While my husband has been set on downsizing and golf courses, I am way too young for retirement. I know many who still ride non-gaited and smooth gaited horses into their senior years. That means I’ve got at least one more horse to raise. After all, whacking a ball with a stick hasn’t been my gig. (Dreams of gaiting the manicured greens, on the other hand, that’s my jam!)
“No. No. No!” Said my husband every time I brought up the idea of another horse.
On October 7, 2021, “No. No. No!” didn’t stop me. I went to see him anyway. His name was Marvel, a three-year-old, unstarted Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse gelding. I had a feeling about him. It became an even stronger feeling when I saw him. Kind of like seeing the puppy at the Humane Society, only x 10.
Just how would I convince my husband to change his mind?!
Meanwhile, my Facebook activity tipped off Mary. Likes and comments about horse rescues and rehoming gaited horses caught her eye. Unaware of my husband’s resistance, she offered to help with the rehoming fee. Turns out, her willingness to help, was enough to sway my husband’s “No. No. No!” to “yes.”
Elated, Marvel arrived October 16, 2021. It would be up to me now to prove this decision was worth pushing off his downsizing golf course retirement dreams.
Marvel(ous) Milestones
Recap of our first year starting a gaited horse under saddle with dressage
Introducing the bridle and working in hand helped Marvel learn to accept and follow a light snaffle bit contact while learning stretching exercises at a halt and then in hand at a walk. This became excellent preparation for saddle training. Learn More: Introducing the Bridle and Working In Hand
Marvel and I learn communication through lunging. First with a halter and lunge line, then with a snaffle bit and halter, then with a saddle no stirrups, bit and halter. Later we added the stirrups. Learn more: Lunging a Gaited Horse
Six months of lunging and in-hand training a gaited horse paid off when I began saddle training. Pictured is my first time sitting on Marvel’s back. Learn More: Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle
Fun to visit with Mary and watch her and Marvel interact.
Working the walk to develop quality smooth gait.
Marvel enjoys exploring. (Thank you, Mary for taking this beautiful photo of us!)
My husband has witnessed the joy Marvel has brought the last year and realizes he doesn’t have to live on a golf course to golf (and we can push back retirement for another day)!
If you study horse training from more than one circle of thought, you’ve probably encountered the word “correct.” Circles of thought collide when views of “correct” contradict each other and when one circle of thought is imposed on all.
Let’s take a look…
Over thirty-six years I’ve been devouring humane horse training methods—predominantly dressage as a form of communication and training with my non-gaited and naturally gaited horses. Even within dressage, there are colliding circles of thought regarding what is “correct.”
I have studied from many circles of thought that encompass my riding paradigm. Among these circles of thought are German dressage, French dressage, competition dressage, classical dressage, natural horsemanship, rail class, biomechanics of riding, holistic views, horse care, natural hoof trimming, cross country, stadium jumping, endurance, trail riding, obstacles, and cow sorting. Between each circle of thought are similarities and often sharp contrasts of “correct.”
Is one circle of thought “correct” for all riders and horses? I don’t think so. I am leery of anyone imposing their view of “correct” upon all.
What is correct within one circle of thought is wonderful. It provides a great guide to learn a particular horse training method. However, correct over all circles of thought is absolute. It is not open to learning, growing, improving upon, or discovering options.
One way, not the only way
It would be like saying, “To be correct, you need to adopt a jockey’s style of riding and training even though racing isn’t your gig.” Or, “To be correct, you need to apply bronk-style riding and training when you have no intentions of teaching your horse to buck or join the rodeo.” Of course, these ideas are ridiculous, but what if someone says, “All gaited horses must be ridden in a curb bit with contact to gait correctly?” Many gaited horse riders believe this. It is one way, not the only way.
Humane training is one way
Within many circles of thought, I embrace what I believe is humane training with respect for the horse. This means no harsh or dominating methods of training. No gadgets such as draw reins. No artificial enhancements to create excessive movement such as weighted shoes or caustic substances applied to the horse. No harsh bits such as long shanks or twisted wire snaffles. No tight nosebands, crank nosebands, or flash nosebands to force a quiet mouth. None of these harsh methods are part of my riding paradigm, yet I won’t impose my methods of training naturally gaited horses on anyone. I simply share my experiences for your consideration.
Most importantly, my horse training paradigm is still evolving as I discover new circles of thought. What works for one of my horses may not work for another. Teaching a green or newly started gaited horse under saddle will be different than how I ride a well-established smooth gaiting horse. Therefore, I love considering the hows and whys of different circles of thought. This adds tools to my horse training toolbox.
Correct over all?
When one circle of thought deems “correct” for all is when circles of thought collide and divide.
“Correct” raises one above the others. “Correct” drives wedges between circles of thought and people. If each circle of thought is “correct,” which “correct” is the correct “correct”? That’s the problem with absolutes.
There are benefits to learn and apply one circle of thought before considering others. My dressage journey began over 36 years ago. I studied from one local German dressage instructor for 12 years. As I read books, watched videos, and attended clinics by other dressage experts, it quickly became apparent that there are differences of “correct” even within German dressage. Having a consistent foundation with one instructor was helpful. This gave me a baseline to compare other circles of thought to. Yet, what is deemed “correct” within one instructor’s paradigm doesn’t apply to all—even within the same riding method.
Sharing expertise without absolutism
It is more helpful when a circle of thought shares their expertise instead of imposing it on all.
How is this circle of thought beneficial to the horse and rider
What purpose does it serve and what will the horse and rider gain
Why it is important for the horse and rider
Who is the information meant for
Sharing a scope of expertise helps others learn and unifies. Imposing a scope of expertise on all removes the freedom for critical thinking and it divides one circle of thought from another. Positive vs negative.
Correct or self-promotion
A while ago I was introduced to a new circle thought. It gained my attention when they aligned their methods with someone’s lifework I highly respect. The author of this new circle of thought claimed to have international dressage expertise. Intrigued, I wanted to know more, and I paid the non-refundable membership fee.
The paid content led me into the dark side of self-promotion with extreme views of “correct” imposed on all— followed by spending more money for consultations.
I was eager to discover how the author was aligned with the lifework of the person I highly respect. There was no content surrounding this claim. It seemed to be a deceptive way to attract new memberships.
I searched the paid content to learn more about this person’s international dressage experience, but there are no photos, videos, or demonstrations. Instead, this person hasn’t ridden in several years because they deem riding as “abusive.” Then I wondered what I had signed up for!
Gasp! If this circle of thought becomes absolute correct, how long will it be before riding horses is deemed abusive and banned for all?
Facebook, YouTube, Google, and newly emerging AI technology are wonderful in gaining quick access to information. However, use caution because the information may be deceptive, untrue, fictitious, or ultimately “incorrect.”
I’m onboard with people sharing an opinion, but I bristle whenever an opinion of “correct” is imposed on all. Red flag alert if their claims are followed with a cost. It could be self-promotion. Do your research. I wish I had. Lesson learned.
I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.
Starting a gaited horse under saddle began with developing a relationship of relaxation and communication from the ground up!
Sixty rides later, it’s paying off!
Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle
By Jennifer Klitzke
My five main points to starting a young gaited horse:
Mental and physical relaxation
Breaking training down into short learning sessions
Rewarding every good thing
Developing a relationship of trust and respect
Consistent communication: verbal cues, body cues, rewards, use of equipment
Mental and Physical Relaxation
With each horse I work with of any age, relaxation is the key. Relaxation of mind and body. A relaxed mind is a teachable mind. I help the horse focus on me and our training instead of being worried about distractions around us. A relaxed body is a trainable body and able to produce quality smooth gaits.
Most importantly, relaxation begins with me. I need to be relaxed in my mind and body in order to lead my horse into relaxation. This is helpful when working with a young untrained horse or whenever in the saddle.
Defining Relaxation and Why Relaxation is Important for the Gaited Horse
It is important to note that relaxation does not mean lazy, dull or shut down. Relaxation means the absence of tension and anxiety in both me and the horse. Horses learn best from a relaxed handler and in a relaxed state of mind. A horse’s best quality smooth gaits are produced in a posture of relaxation.
Noticing the signs of tension
Whenever the horse becomes tense, I redirect the horse’s focus, slow down or stop and regain relaxation. When a horse is tense, they often raise their head and neck, hollow their back, their whole body becomes tight, they hold their breath, they are tight lipped, their eyes grow worried, and their attention is fixed on what is causing the tension. In this state, the horse is not listening and not trainable. In a posture of tension, a gaited horse often paces, pace canters, or hard trots. These are the rough gaits we don’t want, right? That’s why relaxation of mind and body are key to training the naturally gaited horse.
2009: Here’s my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Makana, and me early in our training. We struggled with pace as shown above. Notice the spurs, riding two handed with low, fixed hands using a curb bit. Does my Tennessee walking horse look relaxed in the mouth, jaw and body? Tension leads to pace. Relaxation leads to smooth gait.
There are many ways I help a horse relax, such as teaching them to draw their attention back to me, lowering their head and neck to a neutral position, breathing, chewing and swallowing, and relaxing their mouth and lower jaw. Beginning this education from the ground from the lunge line or in hand builds a great foundation of relaxation with lots of rewards for every good thing.
How dressage improves quality smooth gait over time. Pictured is the same horse at the age of 19.
Keeping Training Sessions Short
With a young horse, their attention span is short, and they are easily distracted. Knowing this, I break down training into small progressive steps with ongoing reminders to draw the horse’s attention back to me any time it drifts off.
I have been working with Marvel about 20 minutes, three days in a row with one day off. During our sessions, when Marvel responds to a cue, I will immediately praise with a voice aid like, “yes, good boy,” and stop and give him a treat. I reward him for every good thing. Then we repeat an exercise a couple times with a reward in between.
Developing an ambidextrous horse
If we are working an exercise in one direction, we switch directions and do the same exercise. This is super important. Most horses are like people in that they are born right-handed or left-handed. Horses can be trained to be ambidextrous over time. Ideally, work the less developed direction twice as much as the easy direction. This will help the gaited horse develop more even strides.
Rewarding Every Good Thing
Encouragement goes a long way with people, and it does the same with horses. A young, green horse has a lot to learn. Marvel is learning a new language, so it is my job to be clear and consistent day after day.
I used body cues by bringing my energy up and down, verbal cues, “Yes, good boy,” and rewards, treats, and breaks with moments of letting the horse rest in relaxation.
Later in training, I will introduce the snaffle bit to help the horse accept contact and follow a light contact. Then when we begin saddle training, I will add leg, seat and weight aids.
After the gaited horse is no longer leaning on the bit and is tasting the bit, I invite the horse forward and out to stretch the topline and spine. Then release and reward. Learn More:Introducing a Gaited Horse to a Snaffle Bit
Introducing the gaited horse to the saddle and bridle.
Introducing the mounting block.
I used the mounting block in our sessions together to get Marvel used to me being taller than him and hearing my voice above him. Then I began laying my arm around him and placing weight on his back.
Access Physical Development
After establishing a relationship of relaxation and a consistent communication system, the next priority before saddle training begins is to access whether Marvel is physically developed to carry a rider.
During the first six months Marvel was at our place, he has grown and put on a hundred pounds. He will be four years old in June. I decided to wait until the snow and ice melted before I started Marvel under saddle. I began his saddle training in May, just a month shy of his fourth birthday.
First time in saddle
First time in the saddle
Six months of groundwork and work in hand led to saddle training with my soon to be 4-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse. For our first time in the saddle, I wanted Marvel to get a sense of my voice and weight on his back before I got off.
I used a mild snaffle bit and a bareback pad. This made it easier for me to gradually get on by adding my weight over his wither, then move my knee onto his back, then my leg and foot to the other side slowly while watching how he handled it, and then I moved into position onto his back. It sure felt great to be on his back! I sat on his back a couple minutes and quietly dismounted.
Second time in saddle with first steps
Second time in the saddle
On my second time in the saddle, I repeated the same slow process of getting on using the bareback pad. Then I asked Marvel to take his first steps with me on his back. Wobble. Wobble. Good boy! It was a short ride, only a couple minutes.
Third time in saddle moving hindquarters and shoulders
Third time in the saddle
On our third time in the saddle, I again repeated the slow process of getting on using the bareback pad and then asked Marvel to move his hindquarters and his shoulders. We doubled our time in the saddle. What a good boy!
Fourth Ride, First Time with a Saddle
Fourth time in the saddle (in a saddle)
On our fourth ride, I added the saddle now that Marvel understands the concept of me being on his back. I don’t need to get on in steps like I did with the bareback pad. Since Marvel feels like I’m riding a water balloon, it is easier to maintain stability in a saddle with stirrups.
In this fourth ride, I asked Marvel to move forward. It is clear that I need to clearly separate my connection with the bridle when I ask for forward promptings of the leg. It is confusing if I combine a light contact of the bridle with the request to move forward. By separating the rein and leg aids helps Marvel move forward much easier.
Each ride we have increased our time in the saddle over the previous ride.
First time in saddleSecond time in saddleThird time in saddleFourth time in saddleFifth time in saddleSixth time in saddleSeventh time in saddleNinth time in saddle12th time in saddle
Marvel and I riding in the large outdoor arena for the first time on our 16th ride. What a good boy!
Video: 20th Ride: Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle Relaxed Forwardness Between Hands & Legs
Marvel has had thirty-one rides in the last 10 weeks. Our last ride was our first time experiencing his smooth natural flat walk!
Video: 31st Ride: Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle First Peek at Smooth Gait
Starting a Gaited Horse Under Saddle (Ride 42) Recap of Progress
A good trail ride is in order if I can find someone to be the lead.
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