Word of the Week – Gait
GAIT - Characteristic limb coordination pattern recognized by the sequence and timing of the footfalls. Gaits used in dressage are walk, trot, and canter.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary
Word of the Week – Acceptance
ACCEPTANCE - Used in reference to the horse’s willingness to allow the maintenance of a steady contact, the application of the aids, and/or the placement of the rider’s weight. Absence of evasion or resistance.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary
Word of the Week – Closed Halt
CLOSED HALT - A posture at the halt in which the horse is secure in balance with a shortened base of support achieved by positioning the hind legs forward underneath the body.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary
Word of the Week – Lightness
LIGHTNESS - Refers to one of the following: 1) Horse’s lightness on its feet.
2) Lightness of the rider’s aids/horse’s responsiveness to light aids.
3) Lightness/lift of the forehand.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary
Word of the Week – On The Forehand
ON THE FOREHAND - Poor longitudinal balance, with failure to elevate the withers and/or lower the haunches.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary