Tag: Glossary

RHYTHM (Regularity and Tempo)- The characteristic sequence of footfalls and timing of a pure walk, pure trot, and pure canter. The rhythm should be...

AGAINST THE BIT - The horse presses against the bit with a rigid or unyielding neck/poll/jaw. Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary

RAPID - Refers to the tempo (strides per minute) unless otherwise noted. Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary

MOBILITY - Easy maneuverability/nimbleness of the shoulders/forehand/forelegs, made possible by a narrowing and shortening of the horse’s base of support. Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary

BEND - The laterally curved position in which the horse’s body, as would be viewed from above, appears to form a uniform arc from...

EVASION - Avoidance of the difficulty, correctness, or purpose of the movement, or of the influence of the rider, often without active resistance or...

ZIG -ZAG - Three or more half passes connected by changes of direction. Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary

STRIDE - Cycle of movements that is completed when the horse’s legs regain their initial positions.  Length of stride refers to the amount of...

FORWARD - Moving or tending to move toward the direction in which the horse is facing (in contrast to sideways, backward, or standing still);...

RELAX/RELAXATION - 1.Referring to the horse’s mental/emotional state:  calm, without anxiety or nervousness. 2. Referring to the horse’s physical state: commonly used to indicate the...