My last post was regarding lunging versus riding, walk versus trot. It led me to the idea that it is time I talk a little about “forward”.
From the outset, I want to say that "forward” is a state of mind in a horse. It is not a speed. It is not a gait. A trot need not be any more "forward" than a walk and no less "forward" than a canter. It all depends on the horse’s state of mind.
It’s because "forward" is a state of mind that makes it so important in training. Trainers are always harping on about how you must have a horse "forward" in order to create beautiful movement. It’s true. But some people still confuse the notion of "forward" with the concept of speed.
Here’s my take on "forward”.
“Forward” is the ability to move without inner trouble and without resistance to a rider’s request for a change in the movement. It’s a freedom to move without rush and without holding back. “Forward” should be part of every movement whether forward, backward or lateral.
A horse could offer a high energy walk, but it is only a "forward" walk if the rider can ask the horse to slow down enough that a snail would complain how slow the horse is walking, and there would be no trouble or resistance in the horse. The slow walk is as "forward" as the fast walk because in both cases the horse is committed to the same "forward" thought of going with the rider with freedom.
A horse can only be "forward" through focus and relaxation. A "forward" thought makes all speeds and all gaits available and the horse still emotionally relaxed. Speed alone doesn’t do that. Faster gaits don’t do that. Only a mindset where a horse feels focused and relaxed in the movement makes all speeds and all gaits available for the horse and rider to go together.
In my opinion (so it must be right), “forward” is synonymous with softness. A horse can go fast and be highly responsive to a rider’s leg and seat, but if it is not soft it is not “forward”. A horse can change gaits and gears readily, but if it not soft it is not “forward”.
That’s why a truly "forward" horse is a life-long pursuit. That’s why "forward" is necessary for all movement to be beautiful - even when slow.
Photo: This was taken in Iowa, 2016. Kahlua was/is a gaited horse that had a tendency to rush and pace. I worked hard to establish a forward walk. I was building on the earlier good work Ellen Kealey had put into Kahlua.