Horse Walking

The walk for a horse is a four-beat gait, and after mounting the horse, it's important to let the hips swing with the movement of the horse. Find out how to apply pressure to a horse's reins when it's walking with help from an equestrian riding instructor in this video on walking a horse.

Make this Community Strong:

Be the first to add a comment!

Hello, my name is Chelsey Sawtell, primary riding instructor at black Friar Farm in Kingston Springs, Tennessee and today, we will be discussing the walk. As with any new vocation or sport, it is very important that should you get out of your comfort zone. You seek a assistance from a licensed horse professional, or otherwise knowledgeable person. The walk is a four beat gait. Prior to mounting your horse, you will want to make sure you have the proper safety equipment. Boots with a heal and a helmet are always required prior to riding. Always move slowly around the horses, you do not want to appear nervous or timid, but methodical in everything you do. Once mounted, you will want to apply the leg gaits to move the horse forward, you're now in the walk. Allow your hips to swing with the movement of the horse. You will notice that as the horse moves, it's legs fall in a kitty-corner rhythm, one, two, three, four and back to he same motion again. Applying slight pressure to the right rein will tip the horse's nose to the right and provide you with a mild right hand turn. A slight pressure to the left rein will tip the horse's nose to the left, providing an arc to left. If the horse becomes erratic or quick, light pressure to both reins will slow the horse and provide a more even rhythm. It is best advised that you do not leave the comfort of the walk, until you are completely competent turning right, left and halting at will. Mastering the walk is very important before you move on to any other gait.