How To Ride The Perfect Walk

Every rider should strive to master the walk with their horse. It sets the foundation for the rest of the gaits. In this four-beat pace, the hooves evenly fall and take off one at a time- left hind, left front, right hind, and right front. This movement will send you side to side and front to back in the saddle. It’s important you learn how to ride it!

The Working Walk

Most western performance classes will require a working walk. A working gait is your horse’s normal pace. They should be balanced and have rhythm with slight impulsion. Be careful your horse doesn’t get pacey or jig! On the other hand, a horse that is moving too slowly with drag their hooves. Try to find a comfortable middle.

The horse will have a relaxed back, swinging tail, and slight head nod.

How to Ride It

Stay relaxed
Swing with your horse’s movement
Your body should sway from side to side

The Extended Walk

When extending the walk, your horse should lengthen their stride. This is not a quickening of the legs. Their legs and neck will stretch forward and reach more. You should notice the hind hooves stepping over the print of the coordinating fore hooves.

How to Ride It

Press your left leg into your horse’s side as their left front leg comes back
Release the pressure momentarily
Then press your right leg into their barrel as their right front leg comes back
Develop a rhythm that encourages your horse to move with energy

The Collected Walk

The collected walk covers less ground, but has the same four beats. Your horse will need to shorten their steps. It may be helpful to imagine them marching!