PACES & MOVEMENTS IN DRIVING DRESSAGE

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· THE HALT:At the halt, the horses should stand attentively, motionless, and straight, with the weight evenly distributed over all four legs; and be ready to move off at the slightest indication of the competitor.

· THE WALK: A free, regular, and unconstrained walk of moderate extension is required. The horses should walk energetically but calmly, with even and determined steps.

· THE WORKING TROT: This is a pace between the extended and the collected trot and is more rounded than the extended trot. The horses go forward freely and straight, engaging the hind legs with good hock action, on a taut but light rein, the position being balanced and unconstrained. The steps should be as even as possible, hind feet precisely following the tracks of the forefeet. The degree of energy and impulsion displayed at the working trot denotes clearly the degree of suppleness and balance of the horses.

· THE COLLECTED TROT: The neck is raised, thus enabling the shoulders to move with greater ease in all directions, the hocks being well engaged and maintaining energetic impulsion, despite the slower movement. The horses' steps are shorter, but they are lighter and more mobile.

· THE EXTENDED TROT: Horses cover as much ground as possible. They lengthen their stride, remaining on the bit with light contact. As a result of great impulsion from the quarters, the horses use their shoulders, covering more ground at each step without their action becoming higher.

· THE REIN BACK: The rein back is a kind of walk backwards, the legs being raised and set down simultaneously by diagonal pairs, the hind legs remaining well in line and the legs being well raised.

· THE TRANSITIONS: The changes of pace and speed should always be made quickly, be smooth, and not be abrupt. The cadence of a pace should be maintained up to the moment when the pace is changed or the horses halt. The horses remain light in hand, calm, and maintained in a correct position.