Hall of Fame trainer Al Dunning says transitions play a pivotal role in preparing for more advanced maneuvers in just about every discipline. In this video, brought to you by Farnam®, he shows you exactly how to get them right.
From walk to jog, jog to lope, Al breaks down the mechanics of smooth, controlled transitions and explains why many riders struggle with the upward departure into the lope. His approach — moving the hip first, maintaining collection, keeping the shoulders out — gives you a clear, repeatable process for helping your horse become truly responsive to your leg.
“You can’t get into the pasture till you go through the gate,” Al says. “Transitions are the gate to other maneuvers.” Al also shares how Farnam’s digestive supplements help keep his horses comfortable, focused and ready to work. After all, a horse dealing with digestive upset might pin their ears, swish their tail or tense their body rather than move willingly through transitions.
Whether you’re competing in ranch riding, reining or Western pleasure, or just want a better-broke horse, this video is one to save.
In this video:
- Why every transition, even walk to stop, must be smooth
- How to use the inside rein and leg to move the hip before asking for the lope
- What defines a “well broke” horse and how this impacts transitions
- How Farnam’s digestive products support hard-working horses