Forward and Down: The whys and the hows, the do’s and don’ts

At Pivo, we are always committed to promoting safe riding techniques and raising awareness of horse welfare. In this blog, we talk about a term that is commonly used in equestrian sports, but often misunderstood.

What is Forward and Down?

“Forward and down” is the term that describes when a horse moves with its topline slightly arched, the neck stretched forward, and its nose reaching closer to the ground, as if trying to touch it. When properly executed, it can be very relaxing for the horse, helping to stretch, release tension, and improve balance. While this movement is far from the collection or compression of a rounded frame. The hind legs must remain active and willing to move forward. Although the movement is executed with long reins, the horse should still seek contact with the bit.

Why Execute the Forward and Down?  

If you are a dressage enthusiast, you have probably seen horses in a “croissant” or “angry cat” shape. During a test or before the starting and final salute. Also, if you are a show jumping fan, you have probably noticed how many top riders leave the arena with their horses in this fashion after a demanding Grand Prix round. But this posture is not exclusive to English riding. If you watch closely, you will see horses adopt this posture in many Western disciplines as well.

This is no coincidence: horses naturally arch their toplines and seek to stretch their necks. When hanging out in the paddock or the grazing yard, as they would in the wild. After centuries of observing horses, trainers and riders incorporated this natural, instinctive behavior into a movement that encourages relaxation and suppleness, is excellent for building trust, enhancing their stability, and when properly done, helps to develop healthier horses.

When to Execute a Forward and Down

Forward and down is most commonly seen during warm-ups and cool-downs, but it is also helpful in other situations. Below, you will find a breakdown of the different cases. When asking for a forward and down can be of great help for your horse. 

• Warm-Up and Cool Down: In the early stages of warm-up, a good forward and down is super helpful. To help your horse loosen its back and start gradually engaging its muscles. During the cool-down, it’s a perfect way to encourage muscle and mental relaxation. Allowing the horse to stretch and release tension, especially after hard efforts.

• Before and During Transitions: When properly done, forward and down can be a valuable tool for your schooling sessions. It helps to make smoother transitions, prepare your horse to perform more complex movements. And keep it balanced, soft, and responsive.

• For Rebuilding Confidence: Asking your horse for a forward and down can help your horse rebuild confidence after a bad experience. For example, after competing in a spooky arena in which your horse may have experienced tension or fear. As a horse lover, you know horses respond to pressure and release. Because this exercise encourages horses to relax their necks and backs. It helps them to naturally release pressure, which boosts their confidence, state of mind, and trust in the pair.

• To Reset Your Horse’s Mindset: When schooling your horse, there are moments when the horse, as an individual, can become tense, distracted, or even frustrated. Asking for a forward and down in time can be helpful to reset your horse’s mindset. Allowing your horse to stretch forward and lower his neck gives him a break. Helping to regain focus, relax his mind, and re-engage. This is also very useful for you and your horse in warm-up arenas, to help your horse enter the competition ring relaxed and confident. 

• After Recovering from Injuries: When you start working your horse back after an injury, soft, less demanding forward and down movements help them to rebuild their strength, regain confidence, and balance.

When you are training with your horse, film all your practice and rides with your Pivo, to immediately watch back your ride and also have a record of all your sessions over time. This not only helps you pin point and correct details right away, but is also brilliant to keep a track record over time of your progress.

How to Execute a Forward and Down – The Do’s

Below, you will find the basics to conduct a smooth and nice forward and down:

• Start with a Relaxed Horse: A nervous, tense, or excited horse won’t be able to perform the exercise properly and safely. You must feel the horse confident and calm. You don’t want to loosen the reins on a horse that may spook and bolt, or worse, one with a cold back that can buck and launch you to the moon. Jokes aside, a nervous horse will be more focused on finding objects to spook at than on dropping his neck forward and down confidently and consistently.
  
• Start Simple: As we always say, go from the simplest to the more complex. If your horse is green or you are new to this movement, begin at the walk, preferably on a circle, so that you can stay in control and be able to stop your horse easily in case he rushes. Once you and your horse are ready, you can start practicing in straight lines, at first along the borders of the arena, using them as rails. Then, always in a circle, you can start practicing the forward and down in the trot, and then in the canter. However, for warming up, and depending on different factors, the most common gaits for this movement are the walk and the trot.
  
• Gradually Release the Reins: Loosen the reins smoothly, keeping a slight contact. Remember that your arms and wrists should point towards your horse’s mouth, so as your horse lowers his neck, slowly follow that movement. It’s also important to remember that when turning, performing a diagonal change, or doing a circle, release the inside rein first, while maintaining a slightly firmer contact with the outside rein.
  
• Encourage Forward Movement and Engagement: Use your legs as needed to encourage forward movement and keep the horse’s hind legs engaged as if you were trying to seek collection. When performing forward and downward stretches during the walk, ensure you maintain an active and rhythmic pace. Without that forward energy, the stretch becomes empty and disconnected.
  
• Use Your Pivo to Track Your Progress: When practicing forward and downwards stretches, use your Pivo to track your progress. Having awesome and consistent footage of your training is fundamental to assessing your progress and enhancing your riding experience.

The Don’ts

The forward and down should be relaxing and a rewarding experience for your horse. Below, you will find a list of the things that no rider should ever do while doing a forward and down:

• Don’t force it: A common mistake is pulling the reins to force the horse’s head down. It’s impossible to fight your horse and expect him to relax. The stretch must be done naturally, by the horse willing to go forward and down and accepting the bit. Not imposed by the rider. Trying to force it will end up with a tense neck, hollow back, no benefit, and frustration for your horse.
  
• Don’t Pull and/or See-Saw the Reins: This is another common mistake and another form of forcing horses into collection. Or, in this case, forward and down. We included this bullet separately because we cannot stress enough that this hand action confuses horses and breaks the contact. Leading them to mistrust the riders’ hands. This old practice only creates a false sense of improvement. And trust us, it’s not good for any horse, especially if you are seeking relaxation and a comfortable stretch.
  
• Don’t rush it: Use your legs, not your heels. Kicking your horse may encourage him to rush, breaking the steady rhythm that you want to achieve.
  
• Don’t Drop the Contact: Remember, your horse needs to feel a soft, steady, but flexible connection with your hands to seek the bit confidently. Be gentle with your hands, finding the perfect balance between pushing and dropping the reins.
  
• Don’t Lose Your Posture: When your horse lowers its head, move your hands forward. Don’t lean your torso and stay tall. Horses can balance better when their riders stay balanced too!

Final Words

Doing a neat forward and down not only looks awesome. But it’s incredibly beneficial for your horse and your connection with him as a pair. When your horse can stretch properly, it’s not only a relaxing but also a rewarding experience that helps to strengthen its neck, spine, and joints. Taking a step forward toward the longed-for self-carriage, which translates into a healthier and happier horse. Would you like to learn more or improve your equestrian skills, but don’t have a riding coach nearby? Don’t worry, with Pivo, you can connect with coaches around the world here. And try the Lessons Mode for an interactive and dynamic training session.

Read more – The Future of Equestrian Training: Why Every Rider Needs Pivo