14/05/2025
I’ve talked about the stretchy trot often as a couple of the horses love to do it. This is another good explanation.
'Allowing the horse to stretch on a long rein' (sometimes called 'chewing the reins out of the hands') requires your horse to lower his head forward and down while maintaining an elastic contact with your hands. His nose should be slightly in front of the vertical (not curling up behind the vertical), and his mouth should be at least level with his shoulder.
The purpose of this movement is to test your horse's willingness to work through from behind and into the contact, and to demonstrate balance, relaxation, and suppleness.
Here's what the judge wants to see:
✅ As your horse stretches forward and down, your horse's mouth should reach inline with the point of his shoulder.
✅ Although your reins are lengthened, a consistent and elastic contact must be maintained throughout the stretch.
✅ Your horse must remain balanced, with his hind legs stepping under to support the stretch and remaining light in his shoulders.
✅ The rhythm and tempo of the pace must remain the same before, during, and after the movement.
✅ The rider should take the reins back smoothly, and there should be no loss of balance, resistance, or tension.
