Keeping rhythm

A well-balanced horse and rider will move rhythmically at all paces in all disciplines, says Dr Mac.

- Dr Mac

Well-balanced horses move with rhythm. It is no accident that a horse adapts itself to the beat if it is ridden while music is playing: this is almost instinctive. Good riders understand this and keep horses moving in a constant rhythm around corners or along a straight line at the same gait. A regular rhythm is linked to good balance and transitions between gaits. An uneven or irregular rhythm can be due to poor conformation, muscular injuries or an unbalanced rider. Watching a horse move freely out in a pasture is a good way to judge its natural rhythm at different gaits. It is hereditary as well, so different breeds may move in different ways at the same gait. An American Quarter Horse may be able to do an extended trot, but has a far better slow, even, regular and comfortable jog-trot than a Warmblood. The Warmblood may, however, show a much better rhythm at a collected trot than a quarter horse.