Getting in time at the walk means applying rein and leg aids at the exact moment the horse's hoof is coming off the ground and free to move, as when it is on the ground, the horse is unable to respond to an aid to move that hoof. Below we break down exactly how to time your aids to influence specific hooves at the walk, so you can build the foundation for effortless communication with your horse.
Timing your aids correctly at the walk allows you to influence individual hoof movements, leading to precise and effortless communication with your horse.
When you understand when to apply an aid, you can:
- Create a more active walk
- Guide the horse's movement with precision
- Improve responsiveness in turns and lateral movements
The key rule to remember: You can only influence a hoof that is off the ground!
Note: Make sure to read our article Timing and feel: The key to effective horse training to understand the WHY behind practicing good timing.
Now, let's dive into the HOW.
Footfalls at the walk
The horse walk is a four-beat gait with the following sequence:
Left hind - Left front - Right hind - Right front
Getting in time at the walk: hind hooves
Since the rider's lower body (below the belt line) influences the horse's hindquarters, the rider's legs must be in sync with the horse's hind legs.
How to feel the hind hooves
- Allow your legs to drape naturally around the horse's barrel.
- Feel the natural side-to-side swing of your legs as the horse walks.
- As your inside leg swings into the horse's barrel, say 'Now' out loud. This marks the moment the inside hind hoof is lifting off the ground.
- Repeat for the outside leg, saying 'Now' each time it swings into the horse's barrel.
- Continue this exercise, ensuring your legs stay relaxed.
Saying 'now' helps train your body to recognise the right moment to apply an aid - without physically asking the horse for anything.
When the rider’s leg naturally swings towards the horse’s barrel, this is the moment the hind leg on the same side is just stepping off the ground - and the perfect moment to influence it.
Getting in time at the walk: front hooves
Your upper body (above the belt line) influences the front feet of the horse. Getting in time with the front hooves makes for more effortless turns and lateral movements.
How to feel the front hooves
- At the walk, glance down at the inside shoulder and observe its movement.
- Notice when the shoulder moves backward and then forward.
- Say 'Now' each time the inside shoulder reaches it furthest point back and begins to swing forward.
- Repeat for the outside shoulder, saying 'Now' as it begins to move forward.
Next, time your rein aid to this rhythm, opening the inside rein as the inside front hoof begins to lift off the ground. The horse will now be able to take a bigger/opening step in the direction of your opening rein aid.
The moment the inside shoulder is at the furthest point back and just starting to come forwards is the moment the inside front hoof is coming off the ground - and the perfect moment to influence it.
Putting it all together: Walking a square pattern
A great exercise to practice timing involves walking on a square pattern around four markers. This exercise will help to:
- refine turning on haunches
- refine turning on forehand
- create a more active walk
1. Timing the front hooves: 1/4 turn on the haunches
- As you approach a marker, glance at the inside shoulder.
- Open the inside rein just as the inside front hoof lifts off the ground.
- Use the outside rein to support the outside shoulder (squeeze this rein if the horse bulges through the outside shoulder).
- The horse should execute a 1/4 turn on the haunches rather than a standard turn.
- The horse bulges through the outside shoulder: This is corrected by using the outside rein to control the amount of bend in the neck and support the outside shoulder around the turn.
- The horse walks a standard turn - following the same track with all four hooves: Here, the rider needs to check their timing is correct when asking the inside hoof to step further across to the new track.
It can help to lightly squeeze the outside rein in time with the outside hoof coming off the ground. This tells the horse to ‘wait’ and step across with the outside hoof - instead of charging forward.
Please note: the focus here is getting in time with the horse’s steps. As the rider becomes more confident with good timing they can refine this by preparing the horse more prior to the turn.
2. Timing the hind hooves: 1/4 turn on the forehand
- Slow the horse as you near a marker.
- Move your inside leg behind the girth.
- Apply your leg aid just as the inside hind hoof lifts off the ground
The horse should step more under with its inside hind hoof while keeping the front hooves moving on a much smaller circle.
3. Using timing to create a more active walk
To refresh the walk in between turns, the rider will apply their 'go' aid by applying their individual lower legs in time with the respective hind leg of the horse, coming off the ground.
- Left lower leg touches the horse's side as the left hind lifts.
- Right lower leg touches the horse's side as the right hind lifts.
This creates a left-right-left-right rhythm instead of squeezing with both legs at the same time.
Final thoughts
Mastering timing at the walk lays the foundation for more advanced movements and better communication with your horse.
Are you ready to learn how to get in time at the trot?
Read 'Getting in time at the trot: a guide to rider aids and footfall timing'
Last updated: September 2026
Have you read our other articles? Explore articles by topic here.
"Learn the WHY. Your horse will thank you."