What does this term mean?

[Safina]

Had a lesson last night and got some really positive feedback from my instructor who said he was showing cadence in walk and trot (the less said about the canter the better). I am assuming this is a good thing (as she was smiling) but I am not sure exactly what this means - can anyone explain?

 

[Weezy]

Yes it is a good thing! It means your horse is rhythmical with good expression within the gait

 

[Safina]

Oh yay, thanks. I knew it was something good but I just was not sure exactly why. I must say, he felt lovely and light in the hand and was chaging pace and gait better than I've every felt before

 

[Partoow]

Obviously you did some nice work, i dont use the word 'cadence' in connection to walk work however i use it with the trot and canter as these have a moment of suspension and for me it refers to the height of that expresive step.
I expect you horse, was showing good self carriage which is exellent as you say he was light[ therefore not using the hand like a walking stick] in your contact and that he chaged pace more readily than before , a symptom of being more infront of the leg and within the contact so he must have had good balance and therefore self carriage.
Either way , well done i am sure if you keep on these lines you will soon manage it in the canter too!!

 

[Safina]

fabbo thanks so much for the response - thats great news. I just hope I can replicate the feeling again in trot and finally get the same lightness in canter.

It was pretty amazing to have him working so soft and light - its amazing what being told you are leaning to the right and need to use more leg can do!