Dressage

Question
Hi Shelley,
I was wondering if you could tell me how to teach a horse to do tempi changes. I know there are a lot of basic things in dressage that a horse needs to know before attempting this. I still have a long ways to go in many areas. He is able to fly leads and I know I need to start with the strides farther apart then every 3 or so strides. any help would be appreciated. Thank you,
Echo

Answer
Dear Echo,
If your horse already has good clean changes- I would begin by making sure that he can hold a counter canter and switch back to true canter. Then begin asking for a change on the centreline- NOT using a corner for support and focusing on keeping him straight.
Once he can do this without tension or rushing- staying relaxed and in the bridle- try two changes down the centreline- and so on. This process can (and should) take up to a year depending on your horse.
Best wishes- be patient.
S. Evans