Improve the lifting of the hind legs in the patter on the pad, using various objects. Start with a pole on the ground and let the horse step over it in a very slow, moderately angled side-pass. Neck down, neck normal, neck up.
Whatever exercises and/or movements we do to improve the horses self-awareness, flexibility and balance, it will show in the quality of the walk. The walk will be more efficient, fluent/flowing and well elevated if the work was right. Eyes, jaw and tongue will be involved. If it doesn't improve the walk exercises are have missed their mark. Think of the many martial arts practitioners, who - after a successful carrier - spend the rest of their lives in the wheel chair. Whatever is done to the body human and/or equine must favor mobility. Bodies are made for movement in the earth's gravitational field. They limber in tackling earth's surfaces. They get strong while mastering life.
The following approach is suggested if the walk is so bad that any continuation of it can only make things worse. In such cases the slow counted walk promises resolve. It makes the horse aware of elevation, the closing of the croup and the suppling of the haunches. If done in mutual agreement it holds little potential for damage to the horse's body. It can be used in small increments, alternated with walk, reins hanging.
