By Jessica Shannon
There are countless articles and videos that focus on helping us master transitions. We work on them every time we ride, and we know the impact that seamless transitions can have on our entire ride, whether we halt at X or count strides to an oxer.
A downward transition that pulls us out of the tack and causes us to lose our balance means the new transition may have some initial anxious strides, be sloppy, or even skip a transition, such as going from a canter to walk when you meant to have a nice, balanced posting trot before going to a walk. A sticky upward transition can be frustrating and confusing for horse and rider. We practice both upward and downward transitions. On days our horses are fresh or have a push, we may aim for more frequent transitions to keep them focused, connected with you, and allowing them to use their entire bodies. We may trot ten strides, walk two or three strides, and immediately pick up a trot again. Repeat.
We are looking for calmness, connection, and steadiness. We are attempting to avoid building anxiety, unbalanced gaits, and poor equitation. Riders value both downward and upward transitions. We care about how they feel and look, as well as what is communicated in the transition. Halt to walk to trot to canter and back again are all seen with purpose. Our distances to jumps are better when we’ve put a lot of focus on upward and downward transitions, and our ability to stay connected and maintain a steady canter after a jump is stronger, too. What we are doing is living in the moment with our horses, and it pays off no matter the transition.
Horses live in the present. We become anxious about the future and often struggle processing the past. I wonder what would happen if we looked at life’s transitions the same way we look at the transitions between our gaits under saddle. I wonder what would happen if we saw as much importance in the walks and halts of life as we do in the trots and canters. If we learned as much about ourselves, our community, and others by the steps back as we do the steps forward, perhaps we would celebrate where we are in the present, how the past brought us to where we are, and be excited for what is to come.
Seamless transitions, in and out of the saddle, give us a perspective on what is in front of us and create space for us to listen to, and connect with, horses and humans. They allow us the ability to cope with fears and anxieties while staying focused and balanced. May we always work on the upward and downward transitions with energy, listening, and hope in order for them to be seamless for us and our beloved horses.