Horses are capable of a variety of movements that capture the imagination and fascinate riders. Among them, the amble is a distinctive horse gait embodying both grace and power.
What is an amble horse ?
This gait has a long history stretching back over the centuries. It was very popular during amazon riding.
Indeed, this gait provides riders with a more comfortable ride and the horse with longer endurance. The amble’s energy- and oxygen-saving mechanisms enable riders to cover long distances fairly quickly, without needing to feed or drink.
In fact, ancient civilizations such as the Vikings and Persians, used ambling horses for travel and military purposes. and military travel.
Good to know: other animals have this natural look. The camel, elephant, giraffe, okapi, bear, maned wolf and certain breeds of dog can ambler.
Beyond its history, the amble is a gait that has long fascinated the artistic world. In fact, many of its iconographies can be found on the tapestries of Bayeux.
Pacing technique
We note that the engagement of the hind legs in this gait is facilitated by long legs, open hocks and a raised belly.
In addition, horses willing to amble have a vertebral axis with well-developed withers and neck, with firm loins.
This vertebral axis becomes rigid and receives the homolateral movements of the limbs, using them like piston springs.
The intrinsic muscles of the limbs are particularly mobilized in this There is no torsion of the vertebral axis.
Note : at high speed, you may observe a period of projection like that of trotting. This gait is known as the”flying amble”.
For a better understanding of your horse’s biomechanics, take a look at the book “Myologie du
cheval : muscle par muscle” by Julia Prével.
Experienced riders can help encourage this amble by slightly adjusting position and rhythm, creating a symbiosis between horse and rider.
Nevertheless, this natural gait in Icelandic horses predisposes them to arthrosis of the hock and the risk of spavins, which occur especially with age.
The tölt : a more comfortable gait for the horse
With one foot always on the ground, the tölt is a more comfortable gait for the horse, which he can maintain over very long distances too.
The tölt mechanism is the same as that of the walk: left posterior, left anterior first, then right posterior, right front in a second step.
The hindlegs engage under the horse and bring more weight onto the rear hand, allowing the front hand to rise and be freer.
A horse in tölt should show beautiful, ample upward movements of the forelegs with a good head carriage.
In conclusion...
With its rich history and complex technique, the amble continues to fascinate fascinate horse lovers the world over. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the countryside or a demanding endurance competition, the horse that amble offers an unforgettable experience that combines comfort and beauty.