The Training Pyramid - Relaxation with Elasticity & Suppleness
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| Ron Postleb - Crown Dressage International |
Relaxation is probably one of the most important parts of the training pyramid. This level of the pyramid contributes significantly to the upper levels in that it helps the horse to prepare both mentally and physically for the work ahead. It is also important to Level 1 – Rhythm and Regularity in that the relaxed horse is able to perform his work without the tension that impedes his movement. A relaxed horse willingly accepts his rider’s aids and moves with a supple back. In turn, he is able to bend throughout his body both laterally and longitudinally. He demonstrates his elasticity by willingly lengthening and shortening his strides. In the relaxation part of the training pyramid , the horse begins developing his “push” (better known as impulsion).
The first major component of relaxation is elasticity. Elasticity is used to measure the 
horse’s responsiveness to the rider’s aids. The horse should be readily capable of adjusting his gaits while maintaining his cadence. This is to say, he should be able to lengthen and shorten his stride without losing his rhythm. An example would be moving from the extended trot to passage. While these movements are generally done at the upper levels, the horse should be able to lengthen his stride as early as the First Level and start with collection and medium gaits at Second Level. As the horse develops his stamina and muscle strength, he will be better able to demonstrate elasticity.
Suppleness plays an equally important role in the horse’s relaxation. A horse that is stiff or rigid in any part of his body will not be capable of utilizing his body effectively, thus resulting in irregular gaits, unwillingness and a general displeasure in his work. A sure sign of a relaxed horse is one that demonstrates a swinging back. There are two types of suppleness: Longitudinal and Lateral.
Longitudinal suppleness is reflected in the horse’s adjustability. He will be able to lengthen and shorten his stride while maintaining his rhythm. Frequent lengthening or shortening of stride helps to create longitudinal suppleness if done properly by maintaining forward motion and rhythm. Longitudinal suppleness is demonstrated by looseness in the horse’s haunches, back, neck, poll and jaw.
Lateral suppleness refers to the horse’s ability to bend his body and neck and is reflective of the horse’s ability to balance. This is especially true when performing the circle. The horse that has lateral suppleness can bend comfortably around
the rider’s leg in an arc appropriate to the degree of the circle. The horse should be able to bend without falling in on the shoulder or swinging out of the haunches. The laterally supple horse is able to move his hocks, stifle, shoulder, back and neck. This is generally achieved by performing movements like the leg yield and the shoulder in.
Ultimately, relaxation is not achieved overnight. It is an ongoing process to develop the horse’s physical and mental state. During the process of developing relaxation, the horse will become more supple and elastic. Most work at this stage is performed at the trot. This improves adjustability and develops muscle strength, stamina and flexibility. With time and repetitive training, the horse becomes a confident, obedient and willing partner.
In The Moves -
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The Trot Defined
A "two beat" gait wheere diagonal leg pairs move simultaneously followed by a moment of suspension. There are four main types of trot: the working trot, the medium trot, the extended trot and the collected trot.
How to Execute the Trot
Start in the walk
Thighten abdominals and deepen the seat.
Keep upper body straight
Close both calves on the horse's side
Maintain rein contact, but yield slightly
Relax seat and calves
Notes:
There are 2 ways for the rider to ride the trot - rising or sitting.
The rising trot is performed when the rider rises and falls in time with the horse's legs. The rider rises when the outside front foot is forward and sits when the outside front foot is back. "Rise and fall with the leg on the wall" is an easy way to remember when to rise and when to sit.
The sitting trot is often more difficult to master then the rising trot because the horse's trot is generally bouncy. When sitting the trot, the rider remains in the seated position throughout. It is imperative for the rider to relax and allow the seat and hips absorb the concussion of the horse's hooves.
Purpose of the Trot
To develop stamina, muscle strength and rhythm.
To warm up the horse's muscles prior to exertion.
Common Errors in Execution
The horse loses rhythm.
The rider restricts the horses movement with a rigid hand.
The rider posts of the incorrect diagonal in the rising trot.
The rider creates tension in the horse's back by sitting too hard in the rising trot.
The horse lacks energy.
The horse's step is more vertical in nature illustrating tension in the back and neck.
The rider becomes tense in the sitting trot consequently bouncing and making the horse tense.
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