How to Count and Train Tempi Changes
Tempi changes are a thrilling and elegant dressage movement, showcasing a horse’s balance, responsiveness, and straightness. Mastering tempi changes requires preparation, precise timing, and a clear understanding of how to count and execute them.
Foundation: The Single Flying Change
Before tackling tempi changes, ensure your horse performs clean, consistent single flying changes in both directions. If your horse is still learning, focus on mastering single changes before progressing. A quality canter with a good jump and straightness is essential for successful changes.
The Key to Counting Tempi Changes
The challenge with tempi changes often lies in counting and timing. Here’s the breakdown:
Count One Less:
- Always count to one less than the number of changes you are riding. For example, when riding four-tempis, count to three, and on the fourth count, cue the change.
Example for Four-Tempis:
- Count: “1, 2, 3, aid.”
- After the first change, restart the count: “2, 2, 3, aid,” and so on until the desired number of changes is completed.
Example for Three-Tempis:
- Count: “1, 2, aid,” then “2, 2, aid,” and so on.
- This method helps keep your rhythm consistent and aligns with your horse’s stride.
Tips for Riding Tempi Changes
Start with Quality Basics:
- Ensure a good canter with balance, jump, and energy.
- Use the corners and short sides of the arena to prepare. If your corner isn’t good, take time to correct it before starting the line.
Straightness is Key:
- A straight horse is essential for clean changes. If your horse feels crooked, correct it before continuing.
Use Clear Aids:
- Adjust your leg position at the right moment, shifting the new outside leg slightly behind the girth as you ask for the change.
Practice Gradually:
- Start with four-tempis and progress to three-tempis and two-tempis. Master each step before moving to the next.
Exercises to Improve Tempi Changes
Ride on a Circle:
- Practice flying changes on a circle to improve balance and responsiveness. This helps horses that rush or become tense during changes.
Work on the Rail:
- Performing changes along the rail provides a boundary, helping to test and maintain straightness.
Focus on Single Changes:
- Occasionally return to single changes to refine quality and straightness without the pressure of counting.
Final Thoughts
Tempi changes are an exciting milestone in dressage, requiring precision and harmony between horse and rider. Practice patience and prioritize straightness, rhythm, and quality over quantity. With consistent training and clear counting, your tempi changes will become a polished highlight of your dressage performance.
Happy riding!
