Balance: The Bottom Line By Arlene Rigdon Topline Ink Equestrian Journal l Published 2006 Topline Ink Magazine Online Extra Featured Article |
In training the horse along the principles of dressage, there is one quality that, though it is elusive and often subtle, is fundamental to everything. This quality is balance – if it is correct, everything is possible; if not, systematically the gaits of the horse are destroyed. In my experience, few trainers really address themselves, in depth, to the concept of balance. I have formulated a philosophy over the years with ideas from some significant teachers in my background, but mostly from the horses I have trained. I share it with you now. The horse’s method of locomotion, when left to his own devices, is to propel himself forward over the front legs – letting the force of momentum developed by his weight do most of the locomotion. Except for initiating the movement forward (when the momentum has not yet developed), the horse is traveling on a small percentage of thrust from behind and a large percentage on momentum. Bringing the horse into horizontal balance more or less equalizes these percentages – 50% thrust and 50% momentum. The horse at this stage is able to stabilize his balance and demonstrates this by maintaining a clear, consistent, working rhythm; the activity and carrying ability of his hindquarters is sufficient to keep the momentum of the forehand controlled. This can only occur in relatively slow rhythms, a quicker rhythm indicating that the horse has slipped to the forehand and is falling after the momentum. |
The horse must balance himself not like a seesaw (where he would be constantly tipping back and forth), but instead the hindquarters must be brought under the horse to achieve a “pedestal-like” base of support under the center of his body. Therefore, along with the slow rhythm, we must also have long strides – reaching well under with the hind leg. Slow rhythm and long strides are only possible with true impulsion (impulsion being thrust from the hindquarters, not speed). The horse’s hind leg must be controlled by the rider’s leg so that they can be brought under the horse to support the body, thrust forward in long strides, and lift up the body of the horse in suspension. As impulsion is increased, the forehand lightens even more and cadence is developed. Cadence is the clarity and deliberation of the rhythm and is formed by the coming together of balance and impulsion.
|
| All Online Featured Dressage & Sport Horse Articles |
 Featured Article Directory |
| TOPLINE INK READER COMMENTS |
"It is a gem of clear thinking. Thank you for sharing your vision with commitment." Colorado "Excellent magazine with interesting and helpful articles." South Carolina |