Every rider should use this progression each and every time they ride.
(Please note that you start at the bottom and progress from Step 1 through to Step 7)
| 7. |
Cool-down:
Free walking on a loose rein in a forward, rhythmical tempo
Veins on a horse should be completely disappeared before dismounting and untacking to prevent tying up with
lactic acid build-up and to make the following day's ride more comfortable for the horse.
Quarter sheets must be worn whenever the weather warrants vests or coats for the rider.
Rub down and/or ice boots may be used to prevent legs from filling. |
6.
5. |
Collection:
Shortening within the stride within the pace, transitions downward, transitions downward
on the spot, counter-canter, tempi changes.
Travers on a circle then volte, down to pirouette, passage, piaffe. |
Impulsion:
Lengthening the stride within the pace, trot poles, gymnastics, jumping
Shoulder-in, Travers, Renvers, Half-pass, flying changes: enabling the pelvis to tilt downward and
allow the horse to carry more weight by stepping under further. |
4.
3.
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Straightness:
Work done to straighten the spine:
Transitions, leg-yields, reinback, turn on the forehand. |
Contact:
Working contact; shortening of the reins after the horse has stretched out and is in complete relaxation. |
2.
1. |
Suppleness:
Longitudinal and Lateral
(Long and Low) (Side to Side)
Circles and serpentines, spirals and changes of bend on a long contact. |
Rhythm and Relaxation:
Steady, quiet, tracking up, starting with walk, trot and canter
Horse should be blowing and lowering head as he (or she) relaxes. |
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