|Importance of Rhythm|
Rhythm is defined as the rate of repetition of the footfall, or in other words, the number of strides or beats per minute. As the tempo gets faster, the number of the horse strides per minute increases.
The rhythm in which we move is for the most part dependent on our innate speed. Certain people move quickly regardless of what they are doing, whereas others feel more comfortable working slower. This especially applies to the horse. It is very important that we study our horses when they move, and pay attention to their innate rhythm.
Sometimes the horse’s and the rider’s rhythm is so mismatched, that it is impossible to work without the horse fighting the rider. Total harmony can only be achieved when horse and rider work in the same tempo. If the horse and the rider work in different rhythms, it is like two people speaking to each other in different languages - neither one understands the other.
It is possible that, with some patience and lots of hard work, the rider can adapt to the horse’s rhythm. When teaching beginners this would be our goal, but more advanced riders should be able to change the rhythm at will.
Why is paying attention to rhythm so important?
· It helps the horse relax
· It helps the horse focus on the job at hand
· It improves the quality of the horses paces
· It helps increase the horses suppleness
· It avoids monotony
It is extremely important that the horse works in a rhythm that is steady and that the rider has control over it. To be in control of the rhythm, the rider must be able to make the horse to vary the rhythm in which he is working. It is important to teach the horse to follow the tempo defined by the rider’s driving aids.
Practice changes of tempo often, especially at the trot. Influence the horse by using your seat, asking for some steps in a slower tempo followed by some at a quicker tempo, but without changing the speed. In other words, quicken the tempo by increasing the number of steps per minute without moving faster over the ground.
In general, the rider will find that his influence over a horse who is moving in too quick a tempo (and therefore too fast a speed) is not effective, and only makes things worse. The horse will just quicken his tempo or become tense. This in turn will make the rider passive. Most riders will then tend to sit and wait for the horse to relax and slow his tempo, and will begin to resist the horse with the reins, counteracting the movement of the horse, building tension and resistance.
These reactions often lead to the opposite outcome from what the rider intended, for a number of reasons. First and foremost, we must remember that pressure in this situation, only results in counter pressure. And furthermore, a passive style of riding, with no guidelines to tell the horse what to do, only causes the horse to become more nervous. One has to remember, The horse does not have the mental capacity to make the decisions; it must be the rider who uses his head and the horse who uses his muscles.
The horse should react to the rider and not the other way around. It is critical that both horse and rider know who is in charge.
The rider must be able to slow the horses tempo down enough that he is able to follow the horse, and in turn the horse should allow the rider into his movement.
Half halts, Transitions, Lateral Work, Work on curved lines and circles are ideal to help develop the horses tempo
In conclusion It is important to remember that a horse that works in too quick a tempo will become tense and not be able to develop his gaits to his fullest potential. His muscles will bunch up and the rider will not be able to supple up the horse.
Only when there is Synchronicity between the riders and the horses tempos will there be harmony and freedom in the gaits.