Schooling problems in walk

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peanut

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Why does my forward going horse find it so difficult to go forward in walk when on the bit? She goes forward nicely in trot and canter, but shuffles in walk. On a long rein she's relaxed and fine in walk.

If I use too much leg or tap her with a stick, she swishes her tail as if to tell me that she's trying but just can't do it.

What can I do to help her?
 
Is she actually on the bit or are you just holding her nose in? Sorry I don't mean to sound rude or patronising about your riding, just that is generally the case in these situations - the horse cannot step through from behind "onto" the contact if the rider is holding the head first. It doesn't show up nearly as much in trot and canter.

Hope you don't take offence, someone experienced on the ground should be able to tell you if she is coming through from behind properly.
 
I'm not offended at all - thank you for some input :)

Maybe that's the problem although my instructor hasn't pointed that out - I'm just told to use more leg. She's definitely working properly in other paces so if that's the reason, I'm not sure how to correct it. Maybe a lighter contact?
 
i'd try a very light contact, and try to get it first out on a hack, e.g. heading home, rather than in the arena. sitting as passively as possible and letting your hips really move with the horse, rather than driving (just in case you are) should help too. there was a good thread about this recently in CR fwiw.
 
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