What are the gaits in dressage?

We all know that there are three recognized gaits in dressage: the four-beat walk, the two-beat trot and the three-beat canter. But dressage also recognizes “types” of gaits: medium, free, collected and extended walk; and working, medium, collected and extended trot and canter.

Can gaited horses do dressage?

Dressage is for EVERY horse – including gaited horses. Yes, we have heard all of the arguments about how gaited horses can’t bend and that they need to keep their heads high to gait.

What is a half turn on the haunches?

The HALF TURN ON THE HAUNCHES is performed out of medium walk prepared by half-halts to shorten the steps a little just prior to the turn in Second and Third Level tests. If a TURN ON THE HAUCHES is ridden smaller, like a regular sized half pirouette, and it is done well, then full credit can be given.

What is a pirouette in dressage?

According to article 413 of the FEI Guideline for Dressage Event “ The pirouette (half-pirouette) is a turn of three hundred and sixty (360) degrees (hundred and eighty -180- degrees) executed on (2) tracks, with a radius equal to the length of the horse and the forehand moving around the haunches .”

How is a pirouette different from a turn on the haunches?

A turn on the haunches is different from a pirouette in two ways: it is asked for in a slowed medium walk instead of a collected walk, and the hind legs travel on a wider circle then what is required in a pirouette which requires the inside hind leg lifts and drops in the same footprint.

Can you ride a pirouette on a walk horse?

Walk pirouette can only be ridden once you can produce the following with reasonable ease: A degree of collection in the walk. The ability of the rider to feel the sequence of legs, and aid the horse with both leg and hand in the appropriate timing (a fairly advanced level of sophistication of the rider’s aiding).

What is a half walk pirouette?

Walk pirouettes are done from a collected walk. You’ll find the first half walk pirouette in Fourth Level. There should be a position, or slight bend, in the direction of the turn, and the inside hind must step up and down more or less on the spot with the shoulders turning smoothly around the hind legs.