Get a soft feel and see how slow your horse can walk without stopping. Then walk them out, and see how fast you can walk on a loose rein.
Betty Staley, a dressage rider, talks about the different energy levels of a horse and how beneficial it can be to be able to control it.
In this video, Buck talks about the importance of being able to open your horse up and let him go.
Bucks talks about the importance of smooth transitions. He also demonstrates transitioning from a walk to a trot.