​Step from grade 5 to grade 8 – myth or reality?

Some elements in the dressage tests are double-rated, but if the halfway and pirouette are the rider’s “creation”, then the natural talent of the horse is more responsible for the walk. Many athletes will agree that the “king of gaits” is the most capricious to correct. But man can do anything! Ekaterina Melnik, master of sports in dressage, tells from her own experience how to correct a step from grade 5 to grade 8.

Ekaterina Melnik and Indore / Photo: fksr.ru

What is the problem with the “impure” step?

“Usually, when a horse paces at a walk, it indicates that he is “thrown” off the rein, that the contact uneven. Or she holds one rein, but does not hold the other. Many riders face the problem that we can show the extended stride because we give up the reins, and the moment we pick it up, the horse starts tighten steps, and it turns out amble, which results in an almost disrupted ride. If you count all the transitions, half-pirouettes, extended step, selection of reins, collected step, then this is at least a third of the ride”, says Ekaterina Melnik.

The secret of success

“What needs to be worked on to get rid of the amble step? Firstly, need to work step!”, says Ekaterina. “This is the main rule. Our riders sin by the fact that they have developed a trot and a canter, but what is a step? This is rest. Relying on the consciousness of our athletes, I urge you to work a step every day after finishing work. Take 20-30 minutes step and picking up the rein: extended step, picked up the rein, collected step.

The solution

• If, at the moment of picking up the reins, the horse paces, then it is necessary study behind This is a basic and very important rule. Despite the fact that it seems that when choosing a rein and sending the horse begins to pace even more. Yes, it really is. First you need to endure this moment.
• Use whip and legto speed up the butt and make the horse back work on the go. You will be “pushed” up a little when the back does connect.
• Must be boundary position between trot and walk, even close to a piaffe or a trot. Imagine what you will do now piaffe.
• In the initial stages, I also move on a large volt and I tilt my butt in and out. What does it give? In fact, all the same frequency. I do not let the horse forward and do not allow the neck to stretch, but I continue to tilt the hindquarters in and out. She is a little loses balance and she has to speed up her ass. At this moment, the gait is getting better.