| First, let me define rhythm and tempo. I want to do this | | | | trot at a much slower tempo than that of his normal |
| because lots of dressage riders use those terms | | | | working trot. |
| interchangeably and they don't mean the same thing. | | | | Slow the tempo by asking for a transition to the walk |
| Rhythm - Regularity of the rhythm refers to the even | | | | (or even the halt!), Then, just as he's about to step into |
| spacing between each step in a stride of walk, trot or | | | | the walk, don't finish the transition. Instead, allow him to |
| canter. Regular rhythm is a priority for all | | | | jog forward very slowly. Think about riding "halfway to |
| work--whether or not you're riding a pure dressage | | | | walk", and then jog forward slowly. If he accelerates |
| horse. Movements and exercises should never be | | | | after a few strides, repeat the incomplete downward |
| done at the expense of rhythm. Rhythm should | | | | transition until he understands and is willing to stay in |
| always stay the same. Tempo or speed, however, is | | | | the slower trot. |
| a different matter. | | | | Ride him in this lazy tempo -- the opposite of what he |
| Tempo -- which is the rate of repetition of the rhythm | | | | wants to do -- until he relaxes. Once you feel him |
| -- can be adjusted, depending on what your horse | | | | relax, gradually allow the tempo to become more |
| needs. Think of rhythm and tempo this way: A waltz is | | | | normal. |
| always done in 3/4 time. That is the rhythm of a waltz. | | | | On the other hand, let's say you have a horse that |
| But a waltz can be played faster or slower. In other | | | | tends to get too slow and labored in his tempo. For |
| words, the tempo can vary. | | | | example, his canter becomes 4-beat because the |
| When should you ride at a tempo that's different from | | | | tempo is too slow. Quicken his tempo by doing a few |
| the one your horse chooses? Let's take an overly | | | | strides of a lengthening. Feel how your seat moves |
| fresh horse as an example. You start your warm-up, | | | | faster during the lengthening. Then when you shorten |
| and this horse is so excited that he picks up a trot that | | | | the strides, keep the same quick tempo by moving |
| is much too quick. The longer you let him go at this clip, | | | | your seat "as if" you're still lengthening. |
| the more his tension builds. Left alone, he probably isn't | | | | So whether or not you're riding a dressage horse, |
| going to slow down. He's like an overtired child who is | | | | always work in a regular rhythm and a tempo that |
| so wound up that he can't quiet his mind or his body. | | | | allows your horse to be in good balance. |
| He needs you to help him calm down by asking him to | | | | |