DR. JUDY DOWNER COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA OCALA, FL Gait Analysis.
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Transcript of DR. JUDY DOWNER COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA OCALA, FL Gait Analysis.
DR. JUDY DOWNERCOLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
OCALA, FL
Gait Analysis
Object of Dressage
Harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse…as revealed by the freedom and regularity of the gaits And other things like lightness of the forehand,
acceptance of the bridle and more that is beyond the scope of this presentation.
We will examine gaits
WalkTrotCanterAnd how the rider
can influence the quality of each
The Walk
A marching gait“Four time”Footfalls follow one
anotherLegs on same side
form a “V”
Walk Gait Sequence
4 beats; 8 phasesVaries between 2 and
3 legs in stanceRegular rhythm
1-2-3-4 Not 1-2---3-4
Rhythm = timing of footfalls
Tempo = speed
Faults
Lateral or paceLack of reach
(forelegs)Lack of overstep
(hindlegs)Lack of energyRestricted neck
oscillations
Rider Aids and Actions
Arms must allow neck oscillation
Seat follows action (slides forward as elbows bend backward)
Legs applied alternately to develop greater reach and activity
The Trot
“Two Time” on alternate diagonal legs separated by moment of suspension
Free, active and regular steps
No obvious neck oscillation (front to back or side to side)
Lengthening the gaits
Longer steps, not quicker steps
Must engage hind end to push up and forward
For medium and extended gaits, horse must rise up through sternum/withers to allow more freedom of shoulders
Trot Biomechanics
2 beats; 4 phasesDiagonal legs in
stance followed by suspension
Angle of cannon bones should be similar for front and rear legs
Faults of the Trot
Lack of suspensionLack of energy or
impulsion Loss of 2-beat or not
tracking up or lack of ground cover
Neck oscillation
Rider Aids and Actions
Posting tempo can control horse’s tempo
Steady, elastic hands create steady, elastic connection
Legs create impulsion; half-halts develop balance
The Canter
“Three time”, two leads, moment of suspension
Light, cadenced and regular strides
Straight
Canter Biomechanics
3 beats; 6 phasesVaries between 1, 2
or 3 legs in stanceSingle period of
suspension
Angle of non-lead hind leg at landing should be perpendicular to ground or slightly forward
Faults of the Canter
Lack of suspensionLoss of diagonal
pairing (loss of energy or impulsion)
Trailing non-lead hind leg (lack of engagement)
Restriction of neck oscillation
Rider Aids and Actions
Arms allow neck oscillation
Outside rein aligns shoulders in front of hips
Seat follows action (same as walk)
Suspension
Trot has twoCanter has oneFlying change must
occur during suspension between leading fore leg and opposite hind leg Therefore don’t train it
over a rail or jump
Jumping
Support into base of jump to control horse
Release of connection over jump
Rider problems over fences
Blending your aids to smooth communication
Forward aids Following seat Elastic connection
allowing neck oscillation
Legs say “go” Soft hands allow
forward motion but don’t “drop” connection
Stopping or balancing aids (half halts) Seat stops following Legs continue to push
forward into bit Upper arms and core
establish “wall of resistance”
Summary
Horse’s neck must oscillate forward and back in walk and canter Restriction limits
reach and activityRider can improve or
worsen quality of gait
Thank You!
Special thanks to my demo riders Elliott Blackmon and Jenna Detandt and my horses Wunderbar and Nimbus