Principles – The Systematic Horseman
Establishing some basic principles enables us as riders to give the horse comfortable guidelines and the potential to excel into high level dressage without breaking down.
Stillness of the rider is imperative to the horse going forward on its own (establishing Cruise Control).
Long and low and pushing the bit with flexion to the inside and the outside enables the horse to develop a relaxed frame using and raising their back, tracking up and pushing through from behind. As a result, the horse develops strength and the back muscles for later collection and extension.
Flexion to the left and right in a forward frame, prevents tilting of the jaw. To have full control of the jaw through the tension of the reins establishes the ability to control the flexion.
The dropping of the poll as a result of flexion enables a softening of the hands so that the horse can travel forward in a relaxed frame.
The acceptance of flexion provides the basis for bending, that is, collection with the horse working through the outside rein and the inside leg in a collected frame with total acceptance of the bit, no biting or chewing as a resistance but a quiet and relaxed mouth.
Straightness is now pre-eminent and the horse and rider are now able to focus on laterals and variation of gait.