This is another way to think about transitions within the gaits. You should be able to “turn the dial” up or down in each gait without your horse skipping over any number on the dial. Especially with more schooled horses, sometimes they try to take over and collect more than you wanted (and get behind your aids) or extend more than you wanted (and blow through your aids.) When you can reliably turn the dial up and back easily, you have a horse who is really between your aids and supple in the back.
About the Certified Instructor
Eliza Sydnor Romm is an FEI rider and trainer based in Snow Camp, NC. She is a USDF Certified Instructor Training-Fourth Level, successful competitor through Grand Prix and popular clinician. Eliza, and her assistant trainer, Kate Tackett, work with horses and riders of all levels and specialize in starting young horses under saddle. Visit www.elizasydnordressage.com for more information, find her on Facebook @ElizaSydnorDressage, and subscribe to her YouTube channel for some great instructional videos!
