downward transitions

[UKa]

Help, our transitions to walk are awful! Somehow getting them very abrupt with a near stop then to walk on. She is also pulling and stretching her head out forward. All not great. Any ideas on how to get this improved?
Was thinking of trying to forget about reins and going in outline for a bit and just getting her to slow down with my body for a while, to get her stepping more smoothly, does that sound like a plan?

 

[horseless jorge!]

How do you personally ask your horse for the downwards transition?

 

[kirstyfk]

My instructor uses this exercise often. On your downward transition go into sitting trot but don't do anything else other than 'think walk'. The first while you might be trotting round the arena for ages but hopefully you will succeed in getting a walk transition which is smooth and forward.

 

[UKa]

How do you personally ask your horse for the downwards transition?

Analysing myself I probably ask with too much reins... trying to sit deep too to get down too and put legs on.

 

[canteron]

While doing everything else breathe in and then as you breathe out ask for walk. It should help to make your core more solid, body stiller and therefore make your walk command clearer!!

 

[crazyhorse4727]

I think you have the right idea, its just putting your idea into practice.
Think of giving your reins so he cant lend on you into the transition, he still might fall through onto his forehand the first few times. Then sit up nice and tall put even pressure on with your legs and restrict movement through your back and seat.
Also to make your job easier horses learn through repition so pick a few places in the school to practice your stop so he starts to expect it, meaning you can lighten your aids when he understands the exercise.
Hope that helps.

 

[UKa]

Great, will give that a go - thank you!

 

[joosie]

Breath out, sink your weight deep into the saddle, close your hands and close your legs. Abrupt downwards transitions with loss of forward energy are usually caused by the rider being too strong with the hands and not using enough leg - you literally close your hands on the reins, nothing more, and use your legs to ride him into them. The moment you get the transition, open your hands and keep the leg on to maintain the forward energy. Try hooking your fingers on a neckstrap when you close your hands - your hands themselves shouldn't need to move towards you at all.