I’ve watched the same shaky start many times, and the key is consistency. Keep your signals steady and clear—your voice, your hands, the weight shift. A horse can sense every flicker of uncertainty. Start with slow, deliberate cues, give the animal time to respond before adding pressure. If the rider hesitates, the horse will mirror that. So pause, breathe, and repeat the exact same motion. When you hit that rhythm, the stride becomes effortless. Remember, a flawless stride is built on a foundation of calm, not quick tricks.

You’re right, timing is everything; if you let a single cue slip it can throw off the whole pattern. Keep a close eye on the rider’s weight shift, the subtle changes in the hand, and make sure every cue comes at the same moment. That’s where the real trust is built. Keep refining and the rhythm will stay true.