In Training level, first level, and second level dressage, you have Free walk. In this video we explain how to ride the free walk in a dressage test. Germán also shares a funny story about a student once waving to their family during their test!
By definition, free walk doesn’t need to have contact, but it could help if your horse walks purposefully to the point you want. When you come back from the free walk and gather up the reins for the medium walk, they want to see that transition as smooth as possible. When you stretch them down, they should go smoothly down, and then when you transition back to the medium walk, it should also be smooth. You don’t want any abrupt changes.
You also need to practice riding that straight line in the free walk because many horses will be like a drunken sailor; it’s really hard to keep them straight, especially when you let your reins out. You also need to practice the smooth ability to take up the reins again so that it’s not like you’re fumbling for them and your horse braces. You should be able to transition smoothly from the longer frame up to your medium walk.
Now, let’s talk about the free walk compared to the medium walk. What is the judge looking for in the difference in stride or in the walk? The free walk should show a clear overstep more than the medium walk. It should have a lot more looseness, and the limbs should be freer and more relaxed in the shoulder. That is the biggest difference. Don’t hurry your walk or start pushing. It needs to be balanced on all four legs and in front of your leg.
One thing I’ve found really helpful is practicing your walk outside of the arena. If you have a nice little trail or bridle path around your property where you can practice the walk, it can be a great place to improve your horse’s walk. Remember in your daily training not to forget that the walk is still something you get judged for in shows. When the horse is walking briskly back to the barn, that’s the walk you’re after.
So think about your walk every day. If you have a good walk and get an 8 or a 9 on it, it can really boost your score.
I hope you find this helpful!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
