Let’s talk about the Little Walk. No, not a cute stroll around the paddock, and definitely not that thing your horse does on the way to the gate at dinner time. The Little Walk is a sneaky little exercise that’s all about getting your horse to use their hind end, lift their back, and strut like the dressage superstar they secretly are.
So, What Is the Little Walk?
The Little Walk is a deliberately tiny, precise walk where your horse takes little six-inch steps, stepping under themselves and activating that all-important hind end. Think of it as Pilates for your horse — engaging the core, working the glutes, and getting everything connected without losing energy. In fact, if you do it right, your horse should feel a little hotter, a little springier, like they’re winding up a rubber band in the best possible way.
How Do You Achieve This Magical Little Walk?
It starts with you. Yep, as usual, it’s the rider’s job to set the stage.
- Lighten your seat.
No, don’t stand up in the stirrups like you’re headed out fox hunting in 1923. Lighten your seat by just barely standing on the balls of your feet. A good visual? Pretend you’re having tea with the Queen and the chair you’re sitting on is wildly unstable. You want to be poised, balanced, and definitely not gripping for dear life. - Check your balance.
If you fall forward or backward the second you shift weight into your stirrups, your balance is off. No judgment — we’ve all been there. The fix isn’t to clamp with your knees like a terrified frog; it’s fitness and core strength. Your legs should stay soft and drapey, like a lazy Sunday afternoon. - Create space for your horse.
When you sit softly, you give your horse the room to lift their back and carry themselves properly. That’s when the magic happens. - Fluff them forward.
Yep, fluff. Ask for activity — cluck, give a few quick taps with your leg or a whisper-light touch with the whip. Think of it as telling your horse, “Hey buddy, don’t nap on me, we’ve got work to do.” - Offer with your hands.
Your reins should be a place your horse can travel to, not a blockade. Be available, but don’t block. Let them move forward into the contact you’re offering.
And voilà — you’re Little Walking. It’s a deceptively simple exercise that, done well, gets your horse working over their back, engaging their engine, and setting the foundation for better movement in everything else you do.
Final Thought
Remember, the Little Walk isn’t about going slow — it’s about going small but mighty. Less ground covered, more power packed in. Your horse will thank you, your trainer will beam with pride, and your Instagram followers might even notice that extra bit of sparkle in your trot work next week.