This is probably as good a time as any for me to clarify the difference between rhythm and tempo. All too frequently, I've heard even experienced riders use these 2 terms equivalently, and in fact, they mean different things.
Rhythm
Rhythm alludes to the space of time between every two consecutive steps in an equine walk or gait, the trot, the canter or any other gait. The rhythm is regular when the spaces are of constant duration between any two consecutive steps. Regularity of rhythm is a must for all equine work, not just dressage, and definitely not just with horses used for dressage. You need to take care to ensure that exercises and movements never sacrifice rhythm. For any given gait, rhythm should always remain constant.
Nonetheless tempo (speed) is an altogether different issue.
Tempo (Speed)
Tempo is the rate (speed) that the rhythm itself is repeated. Tempo can be modified depending on needs. Look at it this way: assume you are playing a musical piece with a steady unwavering rhythm on a CD or DVD player with adjustable playback speeds. If you play the same stretch of music at 2 different playback speeds, you have played one rhythm at 2 different tempos. Think further that you are listening to some waltz music. Waltz music is almost always in 3/4 time. But you can play the same waltz music a little quicker, or a little slower, whereby the same length of music can be played out with different total timings.
Are there instances when you must change the tempo the pony selects? Yes, there are. Now consider a very fresh pony, full of spirit. You have hardly started with the warm-up when the pony gets all fired up and starts trotting at a really fast pace. The more you permit this, the more excited he's going to become. If you don't do anything about it, he may keep up his mad speed until he finally flags from exhaustion. He resembles a kid who has received a cycle that he has long wanted, after he gets his hands on it, he's going to dash around the neighbourhood scaring folks witless. Your pony needs your calming influence to slow it down.
You can cause some control by getting your horse to transit to a walk or possibly a halt, Just as your horse is on the verge of stepping into the walk, discontinue the transition and instead get him to jog, an especially slow jog. Have in mind a 'halfway down to walk' pace. If he speeds up on his initiative, repeat the downward transition process until he eventually gets in his head that a slower trot/jog is what you desire.
Keep him at this slow tempo, at a pace which is precisely the opposite of the pace he would like , till the horse relaxes. When he does so , you can allow him to build up to a more normal speed.
Now look at the inverse situation. You are riding a pony who is just too reluctant to build the tempo. He is going at a slow, painfully slow tempo of his very own selecting. He has converted a canter to a 4-beat. You must speed up the tempo with some lengthening strides. You can feel your seat clearly moving quicker as the tempo builds up. When you again shorten your horse's strides, you can move your seat as if you are still at the lengthening phase to keep the same tempo.
Whatever horse you riding at whatever trail or event, make sure your pony functions with regular rhythm and tempo, so that he will maintain fantastic balance.
Rhythm
Rhythm alludes to the space of time between every two consecutive steps in an equine walk or gait, the trot, the canter or any other gait. The rhythm is regular when the spaces are of constant duration between any two consecutive steps. Regularity of rhythm is a must for all equine work, not just dressage, and definitely not just with horses used for dressage. You need to take care to ensure that exercises and movements never sacrifice rhythm. For any given gait, rhythm should always remain constant.
Nonetheless tempo (speed) is an altogether different issue.
Tempo (Speed)
Tempo is the rate (speed) that the rhythm itself is repeated. Tempo can be modified depending on needs. Look at it this way: assume you are playing a musical piece with a steady unwavering rhythm on a CD or DVD player with adjustable playback speeds. If you play the same stretch of music at 2 different playback speeds, you have played one rhythm at 2 different tempos. Think further that you are listening to some waltz music. Waltz music is almost always in 3/4 time. But you can play the same waltz music a little quicker, or a little slower, whereby the same length of music can be played out with different total timings.
Are there instances when you must change the tempo the pony selects? Yes, there are. Now consider a very fresh pony, full of spirit. You have hardly started with the warm-up when the pony gets all fired up and starts trotting at a really fast pace. The more you permit this, the more excited he's going to become. If you don't do anything about it, he may keep up his mad speed until he finally flags from exhaustion. He resembles a kid who has received a cycle that he has long wanted, after he gets his hands on it, he's going to dash around the neighbourhood scaring folks witless. Your pony needs your calming influence to slow it down.
You can cause some control by getting your horse to transit to a walk or possibly a halt, Just as your horse is on the verge of stepping into the walk, discontinue the transition and instead get him to jog, an especially slow jog. Have in mind a 'halfway down to walk' pace. If he speeds up on his initiative, repeat the downward transition process until he eventually gets in his head that a slower trot/jog is what you desire.
Keep him at this slow tempo, at a pace which is precisely the opposite of the pace he would like , till the horse relaxes. When he does so , you can allow him to build up to a more normal speed.
Now look at the inverse situation. You are riding a pony who is just too reluctant to build the tempo. He is going at a slow, painfully slow tempo of his very own selecting. He has converted a canter to a 4-beat. You must speed up the tempo with some lengthening strides. You can feel your seat clearly moving quicker as the tempo builds up. When you again shorten your horse's strides, you can move your seat as if you are still at the lengthening phase to keep the same tempo.
Whatever horse you riding at whatever trail or event, make sure your pony functions with regular rhythm and tempo, so that he will maintain fantastic balance.
About the Author:
Horses are Heather Toms
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers click here
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers click here
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