The Pyramid of Training
Most of you have heard about the dressage training pyramid either from your instructor or you have read about it. You can find an example of this training method all over Europe and the USA.
Below is a pyramid for you to study and see the steps that start from developing rhythm to the end result, collection. It takes correct training through the levels as well as time and much patience, but these steps are proven and used on a daily basis worldwide. I have included pictures below to help give you a visual of what is being explained in the training pyramid. Remember, every horse is different and it will also depend on what level you are training at with your horse.
Collection
Straightness
Impulsion
Contact Connection
ConnectionSupplenessRelaxation
RelaxationRythmnTakt Regularity
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Rhythm - In Europe this is referred to as Takt, which means regularity of the rhythm,evenness of the gaits and correct sequence of the footfall which is: The walk is a 4-beat movement, the trot 2-beat, the canter 3-beat,
Relaxation - The horse must stay relaxed in the work mentally and physically. If tension becomes present, take a break and walk on a loose rein.
Connection - Good contact is when the horse accepts and responds to seat and leg aids while maintaining a round outline with a mouth that is relaxed and accepting the bit.
Impulsion - The German term is Schwung: the powerful swinging thrust from the hind end, propelling the horse forward and travelling through an elastic back and relaxed neck.
Straightness is developed by schooling the horse on both sides evenly and the hind legs of the horse equally. This will eventually lead to absolute straightness.
Collection is the ultimate goal for the dressage horse and rider. Collection involves the lowering of the croup and lightness of the forehand. Collection is possible in the walk, trot and canter, and is achieved by many years of correct, patient and kind training.
Rythmn, Takt, Regularity
Suppleness, Relaxation
Contact, Connection
Impulsion, Schwung
Straightness
Collection
Here are some pictures below that will help you get a visual of rythmn, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection. With each horse and of course what level you are at in your training, will vary, this is to just give you an example of what is explained in the training pyramid.
The Pyramid of Training
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Schwung
