We’ve talked about this in our lessons from time to time – that a good walk sets up a good trot, and a good trot sets up a good canter. But it all starts with the walk and here’s why.

 

More specifically, with the free walk—that stretchy, relaxed, rhythmical movement we often skip over in the warm-up, or rush through in a test. But here’s the truth: improving your free walk is one of the most underestimated ways to elevate your riding. Not just in how your horse moves, but how you feel in the saddle. So today, let’s unpack why the free walk deserves a starring role in your riding routine,  how to practise it well, and what it teaches us as riders—about rhythm, connection, and letting go.

Why the Free Walk Actually Matters A Lot!

In the world of rider coaching, it’s easy to focus on the more “exciting” parts—canter transitions, jumping and those nerve-wracking competition moments. 

But the free walk? It’s a chance for your horse to stretch and soften, and for you as a rider to practise the art of allowing—to follow the movement, rather than micromanage it. 

In dressage tests, the free walk often comes with a double coefficient because it shows the judge that the horse is supple, relaxed, and connected to the rider. But beyond the test sheet, it tells us something deeper: 

1. Is the horse trusting your hand? 
2. Is the rider able to follow with softness? 
3. Is there still a sense of forward energy?
4. Or have things dropped off entirely?

And … it relates to ALL disciplines! If you recall, in our sessions together, we’ve often used the walk to reset and reconnect. It’s not just a “break” between harder work—it’s a training opportunity in itself.

What Makes a Good Free Walk?

Let’s get technical for a moment. A good free walk shows:

• A clear four-beat rhythm—not rushed, not sluggish.
• Overtrack—the hind hoof steps past the front hoof print.
• Stretch—your horse reaches down and forward into the contact.
• Relaxation—soft back, swinging steps, no tension.
• Forward intention—it’s not a dawdle, it’s a marching walk.

If the walk falls apart, everything else usually follows. It’s a bit like building a house—if the foundation wobbles, it doesn’t matter how pretty the top floor looks.

We Practise This Together—For a Reason

So often, I see the walk being underestimated. Riders let their horse shuffle along, zoning out or fussing with their hands. (No judgment—we’ve all been there.) But when we slow things down and really feel into the walk, it becomes a powerful diagnostic tool.

In our coaching sessions, I’ll sometimes say, “Let’s go back to the walk,” and this is why:    

• Because it tells us a lot.
• Because a good walk sets up a good canter.
• Because if the connection isn’t working here, it won’t magically appear at faster gaits.

Whether you’re returning to riding after a long time away or working through anxiety in the saddle, the walk gives us time. It gives us space. And it gives us the chance to build trust—in your horse, and in yourself.

Coaching Cues for the Free Walk

Here’s how we typically work on the free walk in our riding lessons (and how you can practise on your own, too):

1. Start with Connection

Before your horse can stretch into a free walk, there needs to be a light, honest connection through the reins. We’ll often begin with a few minutes of marching walk on a short rein—using inside leg to gently encourage forward, asking for softness into the bridle, and waiting for the moment the horse reaches for the contact.

Coach’s tip: Widen your hands slightly and soften the inside rein. When your horse stretches, allow the reins to slide through your fingers, but don’t drop contact altogether.

 

2. Let the Neck Stretch—But Keep the Energy

The free walk isn’t just a long rein wander. We want forward purpose. Think marching with intention, not drifting lazily.

Cue: Keep your legs on, your elbows following, and your seat swinging with the horse’s motion.

It’s okay if this feels awkward at first! The key is to follow the rhythm, not lead it. Your body should allow the movement, not block it.

 

3. Work the Transitions

Transitioning into and out of the free walk is where most riders (and horses!) get a bit sticky. Either the reins come up too fast and the horse jiggles into trot, or the stretch collapses and the energy fizzles out.

We practise this in lessons gently:

• Shorten the reins gradually.
• Keep using your seat and leg.
• Imagine bringing the energy back up into a more connected walk, without losing rhythm.

Coach’s tip: Half-halts aren’t about slamming on the brakes—they’re whispers that say “get ready.”

 

4. Notice the Rhythm

• You’ll hear me say this a lot: “Feel with your body”.
• Can you feel where your ponies feet are under you?
• Can you listen with your seat?
  

When your horse is truly walking with rhythm, it feels a bit like being on a slow wave. You breathe with it. You don’t rush.

If the rhythm breaks (hello, jigging or motorbiking!), we go back a step. We restore the calm, remind the horse it’s safe to soften, and try again.

What the Free Walk Teaches Us (Beyond the Arena)

One of the reasons I love using the walk in my coaching—especially with returning riders or sensitive teens—is that it opens the door to presence.

The free walk isn’t flashy, but it asks a lot of:

• Trust
• Stillness
• Feel and
• Patience
  

It mirrors life in so many ways. Sometimes, we want to push forward, canter through the chaos, and achieve something. But the magic happens when we pause, breathe, and notice what’s really going on beneath.

 

As one of my riders said recently during a lesson:
“I thought I needed more control, but actually I just needed to feel.”

I carry that with me often—on and off the horse.

Real-Life (30 minute) Lesson Flow: A Free Walk Focus 

If you want to practise this on your own (or revisit our lesson notes), here’s a gentle walk-focused session:

Warm-Up (10 mins)

• Long rein walk. Let the horse move freely.
• Add a few big circles, focusing on rhythm and soft turns.
• Start to bring the horse “into” your seat—don’t micromanage, just invite.
  

Connection Work (5 mins)

• Gather the reins gently.
• Ask for inside bend, use inside leg.
• Ride the inside leg to the outside rein.
• Wait for the stretch, then slowly feed the reins back out.

Free Walk Practice (10 mins)

• Choose a long side and encourage the stretch.
• Maintain marching steps—watch for overtrack.
• Practise transitions: free walk → medium walk → free walk.
  

Cool Down (5 mins)

• Allow the horse to cool.
• Walk on a loose rein, noticing breath, softness, and swing.
• Reflect: How did that feel today? Did anything shift?

Final Takeaways

1. The free walk isn’t filler—it’s a foundation.
2. A good walk sets up a good canter (and everything in between).
3. It teaches softness, feel, and the beauty of “less is more.”
4. If your horse trusts you here, they’ll trust you everywhere else.
5. And yes—when it’s done well, it feels amazing.
   

Want to Work on This Together?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’ve never really focused on the walk like this before,”—you’re not alone. Most riders haven’t. But once you do, you’ll never go back.

In our Rider Coaching Sessions, we always build in space to come back to the fundamentals. Whether you’re rediscovering riding after years away or supporting a sensitive teen in the competition space, the walk is where we build trust, feel, and calm confidence—step by gentle step.

You can book a 1:1 rider coaching session online here:
👉 hiddyandco.com/bookonline

Let’s give the walk the love it deserves—and see what changes when we do.

With heart (and horses),
Hiddyx😘

👉 Got questions you’d like to ask? Book you’re FREE consultation with me and let’s chat. I’d love that! 👉