Regardless of age, breed, or discipline, transitions are among the most essential, and revealing parts of any ride. For novice riders, however, they can also be one of the trickiest maneuvers to master. From ranch riding and western pleasure to hunter under saddle, a seamless transition reflects true partnership between horse and rider, and takes time, patience, and feel to develop.
To better understand what separates the good from the great, GoHorseShow sat down with veteran trainers Matt and Beth Gouthro of BMG Show Horses in Staunton, Virginia, and NSBA’s first Million Dollar Rider, Gil Galyean, to break down the art of the perfect transition.
Fundamentals First
“Transitions are tough because you have to have the ability to feel where the horse has resistance and respond with the right pressure at the right time,” says Beth Gouthro. “That isn’t something that can easily be explained – it has to be felt.”
That feel, she adds, takes time and repetition. “The horse’s willingness and balance are constantly changing. A rider’s ability to recognize that and make small, correct adjustments determines both the smoothness of a transition and the horse’s overall responsiveness.”
Beth’s husband, Matt, agrees, and notes that the right equine partner can make all the difference. “This isn’t something we do differently when teaching a novice,” he explains, “but it’s something we consider when choosing a horse for a novice rider. Whether it’s a ranch horse, western pleasure horse, or under-saddle horse, we look for one that respects and tolerates the rider’s learning curve.”
Their philosophy is simple: pair the right horse with the right human. “We’ll choose a lazier, duller horse for a novice and teach them how to be assertive,” Matt says. “A more advanced rider can handle a lighter, edgier horse, as long as that horse can still soften and come back.”
Forward, Forward, Forward
If there’s one concept both trainers drive home, it’s forward motion. “The main thing we strive for is a smooth transition,” Beth says. “The horse should be willing, and the rider should be able to communicate with minimal hand and leg cues.”
That starts with movement. “Forward is your friend,” Beth reminds her riders. Matt echoes the same sentiment: “In all transitions except the stop, maintain some forward motion.”
When things start to feel sticky, Beth’s advice is simple: “Whenever you get stuck, release, take a step forward, and then ask again.”
Mastering the Maneuver
For Beth, teaching the finesse of a perfect transition starts with lightness and consistency. “Ask softly and increase pressure until you get the desired response,” she explains. “Use only the amount of pressure needed – that keeps your horse happy and light. But don’t take pressure away until you get a reaction.”
For novices switching from Western to English, transitions can feel even trickier. “Many novice riders aren’t stable in their lower leg, especially in an English saddle,” Beth says. “They may grip with their calves, hug too tightly, or accidentally bump the horse when they lose balance. That can end in disaster.”
Her solution? “I like to keep the horses a little duller for novice hunter under saddle riders and focus more on the seat, softening the body, and the combination of leg and hand rather than spurring through transitions.”
The Elements of a Flawless Transition
While the Gouthros focus on foundation, renowned trainer Gil Galyean emphasizes precision. “When it comes to transitions, you don’t want the forward momentum to stop,” he says. “You don’t want the horse to lock up or half-stop before changing gaits.”
Think of it like shifting gears in a car – too slow or jerky, and the ride becomes bumpy. “The horse shouldn’t change the pace of the previous gait before moving into the next,” he explains. “If you’re walking into a jog, your walk shouldn’t quicken or slow down before the takeoff.”
Equally as important is the horse’s body carriage. “Horses with good transitions don’t change their top line or shape,” says Galyean. “A collected horse will take a stride or two to set up and then break down smoothly – that’s what makes the jog look even better.”
A good downward transition, he adds, should happen almost instantly: “If you lope and break to a jog, your jog should already be that slow, pleasurable speed.”
Common Mistakes and Judging Moments
“With novice riders, you often see too much setup and hand movement,” Galyean says. “They’ll lift their hands, overuse their legs, or rush through the transition. Timing is everything.”
While some riders hesitate too long, Galyean warns against overcorrection. “A slight hesitation is fine to let the horse assume the shape, but if another horse passes you at the next gait, you’ve waited too long,” he explains.
And if the judge is watching? That’s your moment to shine. “If the judge is looking right at you, that’s your opportunity to show what your horse can do,” Galyean says. “Don’t wait. Go. Present your horse’s movement in the best possible way.”
