| Dressage Horse Training is not an easy task and the | | | | horse at an even stride he should be relaxed, his tail |
| process should not be taken on lightly. First, the | | | | moving like a pendulum, in addition a relaxed chewing |
| selection of the horse is paramount and Warmblood | | | | of the bit with even breathing. |
| horses that originate in Sweden have proven to be the | | | | Further up the pyramid is Contact, the rider should |
| best choice over the years. | | | | never be seen to direct the horse through his or her |
| Dressage Horse Training takes several formats and is | | | | hands. The reins should be even on both sides and the |
| based on the Pyramid principle. At the top of the | | | | horse should be allowed to move naturally. |
| pyramid is the collection process and at the bottom | | | | The fourth level of the pyramid is Impulsion, this is |
| rhythm and regularity. Despite its appearance training is | | | | designed to encourage the correct use of muscles |
| not meant to be a rigid process. Each horse is | | | | and joint movement, and encourages the horse to |
| different and as such each will develop at a different | | | | focus on the rider. |
| pace. | | | | Again moving up the pyramid we come to |
| It is very important to do a good free walk in your | | | | Straightness. Straightness allows the horse to channel |
| dressage horse training; too often riders fail to realize | | | | its forward motion directly through its center of |
| this and focus too heavily on trot and canter work. | | | | balance. |
| Preparation is the key to a good free walk at training | | | | Now we arrive at the apex or pinnacle of the pyramid. |
| level. You should prepare for the changeover at the | | | | Collection is natural for horses and is often seen during |
| start of the free walk in the same way that you would | | | | play. A composed horse is able to move more freely. |
| prepare for the circle in the trot. | | | | I know this all sounds very complicated, the would be |
| So at the base of the pyramid we have what is called | | | | dressage rider should not be deterred by the apparent |
| Rhythm and Regularity which consists of the horse | | | | complexity of Dressage Horse Training. Dressage is |
| moving in tempo with the gait evenly spaced | | | | beautiful to watch as it demonstrates the perfect |
| The next level of the pyramid is Relaxation, with the | | | | harmony between horse and rider. |