How to Execute Upward Transitions on Horseback

Upward transitions are extremely important in horseback riding, and describe the transition from a slower gait to a faster one. For example, if you want your horse to move from a walk to a trot, you would execute an upward transition to the trot. While this might seem relatively simple, it is the rider's job to make upward transitions as smooth and graceful as possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Crop or bat (optional)
• Braided or comfortable reins

Upward Transitions from Walk to Trot

1. Warm up your horse as usual at the walk, executing circles and tempo changes around the arena several times. The goal is to achieve the most forward walk possible, with the horse completely engaged in the hind end.
2. Bring your horse into frame gently, using light pressure on the reins and alternating leg pressure to achieve the appropriate head set. If your horse seems stiff or resistant, perform several more circles and perhaps some lateral work to loosen him up.
3. Gather your reins once again and urge your horse into a lively trot. Use your calves pressed against the horse's flanks, but don't kick or jar the horse into a trot. Smoother upward transitions on horseback are a natural extension of the previous gait.
4. Bring your horse back to a walk again using a downward transition (see Resources below). Ideally, you'll want to give your horse at least one lap of the arena at the trot before executing further transitions to make sure he is supple and responsive.
5. Execute several upward transitions in a row, concentrating on a seamless change from the walk to the trot. If the horse launches into the trot or fails to wait for your signal, simply bring him back down to the walk again.

Upward Transitions from Trot to Canter

6. Practice upward transitions from the walk to trot for at least a day before attempting upward transitions to the canter. This will give both you and the horse a solid foundation for future work.
7. Ask the horse for a smooth, forward trot. You don't want the pace to be too fast, but make sure he is on the bit and using his haunches adequately. This will make the transition to canter much easier for him, and probably smoother for you.
8. Wait until you come to a corner of the arena before asking for upward transitions to the canter. This establishes the correct bend in the horse and improves the chances of picking up the correct lead. It also improves the horse's balance.
9. Move your outside leg behind the girth at the corner, and keep your inside leg at the girth, both calves pressed firmly to the horse's sides. Lift the inside rein slightly (with more exaggeration for a baby), and increase pressure with the outside leg until the horse picks up the canter.
10. Reward the horse for completing an upward transition by easing pressure with your calves and lowering the inside rein.

Tips & Warnings

• Realize that some horses need more leg than others for upward transitions. Practice will teach you how to evaluate a horse for the amount of leg he needs.
• Understand that upward transitions might be jerky at first, but will smooth out as you get the hang of it.
• Carry a crop or bat if you're riding a sluggish horse that resists upward transitions, but never smack or beat the horse with it.
• Prepare your body for upward transitions by sitting deep in the saddle and practicing your posting. Too much jarring can unseat a rider.
• Realize that a "hot" horse might take off with too much leg, so add leg gradually with a horse you don't know.