Horse Riding Training

RHYTHM and Najorka Horsemanship

At Najorka Performance horses, where we teach Natural horsemanship, reining and just good horsemanship rhythm play a big role in our program.

Rhythem is the steady tempo within each gate. A gate is pure when it conforms to a precise footfall pattern that has a regular metronome – like rhythm to it. Rhythm refers to not only the true two – beat time of the trot, the three – beat time of the canter, and the four – beat time of the walk, but also to the precise landing of pairs of legs within those time signatures.  For example, in the trot and canter diagonal pairs of legs are supposed to land together. If they do not, if the front landsfirst, then the rhythm is impure due to the fact that the horse is on the forehand.  The regularity of a horse’s steps is a very important component of riding. Each gait is like a simple musical piece written in its own time.  It is helpful when you are working on recognizing, establishing, and influencing a horse’s rhythm that you train yourself to have a very specific idea in your mind of what rhythm is. A regular rhythm will provide you with a predictable set of movements on which to base the delivery of your aids.  Rhythm is inherent to some degree but can be further developed in both the horse and rider through practice.

Ken Najorka

Najorka Horsemanship

www.centralflareiner.com

www.horse-riding-training.com