Learn the fundamentals of dressage training with these 6 key elements
#1. Rhythm
Rhythm is the foundation of dressage. A horse’s paces should be regular, with an even beat, and fluid movement. In competitions, a mark is given for the paces at the end of each test, evaluating the regularity and freedom of the walk, trot, and canter. Developing the steps within the horse’s natural rhythm is crucial. Encouraging the horse to move forward in balance, engage his body, and maintain a consistent tempo will enhance the rhythm and add more cadence to the paces.#2. Suppleness
Suppleness is essential for the horse to perform complex movements with ease and grace. A relaxed and confident horse whose steps appear unrestricted and loose is considered supple. Relaxation is a key element in achieving suppleness. When the horse accepts the rider’s hand through the contact of the reins, he is said to be “working through” and using his whole body to move forward freely. When the horse carries the rider in a balanced way, he is in “self-carriage.” Dressage tests evaluate the suppleness of the back and elasticity of the gaits, with supple horses demonstrating fluid and effortless movements.#3. Contact
Contact is the communication between the horse’s mouth and the rider’s hands through the reins. Good contact feels light and elastic, moving with the horse’s head and neck. When the horse is disobedient to the rein aids or unbalanced, he may feel heavy on the reins. In the early stages of training, focus on the horse accepting the bit and taking the hand forward and down, allowing him to move forward with rhythmic steps. This prepares him to “work on the bit” and develop a light and consistent contact with the rider.#4. Submission
Submission involves the horse working willingly through the rein and responding to all requests. The horse understands the aids with confidence and appears eager to please his rider, working as a partner in trust and harmony to produce graceful movements without apparent effort. A horse who is truly submissive will be relaxed, attentive, and focused on the rider’s cues. Through consistent and clear communication, a horse can develop the mental and physical capacity to perform complex movements with ease.#5. Impulsion
Impulsion is the power and energy that drives the horse forward, allowing him to perform with athleticism and grace. In dressage, controlled impulsion is key. The horse should be thinking forward and ready to move in an active and energetic way whenever the rider wishes. The impulsion must also be contained, with the horse swinging over his back and moving with suppleness and elasticity. As training progresses, the hind legs will step further under the body, lowering the haunches and raising the forehand, giving the horse the appearance of moving slightly uphill. This is collection.#6. Straightness
Horses are rarely naturally straight, just like humans are right or left-handed. Straightening the horse happens gradually as the muscles develop. The most important exercise for straightening the horse is shoulder-in, which requires the horse to move his body at an angle to the direction of travel while maintaining a rhythmical gait. Shoulder-in cannot be done until the horse is moving forward well, accepting the hand, and staying in a round outline when the rider uses basic leg aids. Straightness is important for the horse to perform complex movements with balance and fluidity, and it is achieved through consistent and correct training. In addition to shoulder-in, other exercises such as leg-yield, haunches-in, and half-pass can help improve the horse’s straightness and suppleness. However, it is important to remember that straightness is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency in training. Riders should also take into consideration any physical limitations or asymmetries in the horse’s conformation and adjust their training accordingly. Working with a knowledgeable trainer or veterinarian can help identify and address any underlying issues that may affect the horse’s straightness and overall performance.