Transitions Transitions are an important
part of any training program. Transitions, when done well,
build strength and suppleness
in the horse. In an Introductory
Western Dressage test you may have ten or more transitions
within the test, making this a
very important component and
a place where you may be giving away marks.
R
ead on to see where you can improve your transitions.
Transitions may be basic transitions, for example: - working jog, walk, working jog - working jog, working lope, working jog - walk, halt, walk - working walk, free walk, working walk - working jog, lengthen jog, working jog Or they may be transitions used for improving collection (these improve
By Lisa Wieben and Birgit Stutz Horse: You Otta Have Me, rider Lisa Wieben Photos by Gary Wieben
engagement and strength as well as collection): - working jog, halt, working jog - working lope, walk, working lope - collected lope, lengthen lope, collected lope - working lope, halt, working lope Using the dressage training scale we can assess the transitions based on the following criteria: Rhythm – this is the clarity of the gait. Does the horse quicken his steps before, during or after the transition or does it keep an even pace from one to the other? Suppleness – Does the horse’s topline stay engaged and stretched throughout the transitions without hollowing? If a horse hollows, tosses or lifts its head into the transitions, then it is moving from front to back instead of engaging the hind end and core and lifting the back. When a horse moves smoothly from one transition to the next the muscles stay relaxed and elastic. Connection – Does the horse stay connected to the hand and accept the aids? The feel in your hands should remain the same before, during, and after the transition and the horse will move easily off seat and legs. Impulsion – This is the suspension and lift that is felt as the horse engages more from behind. Straightness – When there is a straightness issue it will be felt more during a transition. The horse may bulge out more to one side, fall in, or pop up into the transition. Collection – Transitions develop and test collection. Those working lope, walk, working lope transitions are a great way to develop the engagement of the hind end along with lateral work.
A forward walk with a relaxed frame. 12 • JULY 2020
SADDLEUP.CA
Let’s look at some common mistakes of both horse and rider during a transition. Rider: - ineffective with legs and/or seat - leaning forward or falling back - pulling on the reins. As Sally Swift said, “Ask, receive, give.” Feel as though you are pushing forward instead of pulling back. - incorrect timing Horse: - pops head up/hollowing its topline - not wanting to use core/hind end but instead lifts with head and neck - no reaction to the aids - losing impulsion in downward transition - tempo not steady When performing a transition the rider should only move from the waist down. The seat follows the movement of the horse throughout the transition and both legs will be involved. Even a momentary cessation of movement in the seat will relay tightness to the horse who will also then tense. Remembering to breathe through a transition will keep tension from building. During an upward transition it is important to allow the forward with both seat and hands, without giving away contact. Thinking “up” into the transition will help the rider stay light in the body. For a downward transition think of a boat on a wave where the back of the boat is the lowest point and then as the wave comes down the front of the boat comes down last. We want the horse to ‘land’ hind end first. If the horse lands front end first there is no engagement from the hind end and we have crash landed!
Lisa tightened her body and stopped following with her seat as she asked for the jog. The mare responded by getting tight and inverting. You may also notice she is not stepping evenly in the jog.
