The importance of correct basic work
During the early years of a dressage horse’s training, it is crucial to establish correct basic work. This basic work will remain important throughout the entire training process all the way up to the Grand Prix level.
Not all horses are born to be top athletes, and some find it physically difficult to perform a series of demanding movements in the correct balance and with the necessary collection. Some horses are gifted and able to compete in the FEI Young Horse tests. Others will need more time to develop and might be unable to do the more advanced dressage work.
How old should a horse be before riding?
A dressage horse begins training around his third or fourth year, depending on how mature it is. Each horse develops at his own pace, physically and mentally. Some horses are incredibly immature at 3 years old and may do better waiting another year before starting.
It is vital that a horse is strong enough to carry the weight of a light rider before he is backed. Once he is comfortable with the rider’s weight, training can begin. Initially it should be lunge work with the aim to get the horse relaxed so he can learn to move as freely. Once that is established the rider can continue on the horse to gradually strengthen the muscles.
Riding forward should be the No. 1 focus when starting a horse under saddle. If the horse is not properly forward, bending will be difficult and straightness will be impossible. Making a lot of transitions will test the forward response and riding on straight lines to allow the horse to move freely forward. As young horses find their balance they may struggle with the short sides of the arena.
To establish the basic work, there are several requirements (6 elements):
- Free forward movement (Rhythm)
- Suppleness
- Contact & Accepting the bit
- Submission
- Straightness
- Impulsion
Dressage training is interconnected
Focus on the elements of training will be determined by the horse and the difficulties that will be encountered along the way. Always keep in mind that problems and improvements can change based on the horse’s attitude to the work.
Some horses are born with a flawless rhythm and forward going nature, Some horses are timid or nervous and need more time to learn how to carry a rider on his back. All horses need to learn to accept the bit and obey the rider’s aids before they can be straightened and worked with impulsion.
Fine tuning of the basic work will develop as the horse develops all the way through his training. Sometimes we must take a step or two back before we take a leap forward and we must stay patient through the process, both for the horse and for ourselves. It sometimes is a good idea to give horses a break as they can be very different to work after a couple of days off.
Expect respectful behaviour from your horse under the saddle and on the ground. Bad habits allowed in this early training period will follow you around for years. Horses are constantly testing boundaries and you must make sure that you are the leader! Be firm and consistent but above all be fair!
Competing the young horse
There is no point in competing until the horse is developing on the right lines. Taking a young horse to a competition before the requirements of the novice test can be executed with ease and confidence may cause him to associate entering an arena with a lot of tension. Don’t rush things. Take your time to build the foundation and let your horse dictate the timeline.
If you have a young horse that requires some expert horse training in the Calgary area, contact me today!
