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          - much more than conventional dressage training

The Scales of Training

Assuming that the horse is physically and mentally ready to learn and technical training can proceed, the rider needs to know what to explain to the horse and the logical sequence in which to introduce it.

In essence, the Scales of Training provide a valuable framework. They describe what  should be established at various stages to avoid limiting the horse's potential with incorrect or inappropriate work.

The concept originated in Germany, but is becoming more familiar in the UK since recent Preliminary level tests discarded the traditional collective marks of Paces, Impulsion and Submission, instead, awarding collective marks according to   the first three  Scales of Training -
  • Rhythm
  • Suppleness
  • Contact​
Picture
This is both helpful and logical as the remaining three Scales of Training -
  • Impulsion
  • Straightness
  • Collection
 -   cannot be developed without the first three being reliably established.

Thus, a mark for Impulsion (not to be confused with lively activity) at Preliminary level could be confusing and lead to inappropriate priorities in training.
​

Collection is also a word that is often used at far too early a stage in training, when attempts to achieve it may lead only to resistance and tension in the horse, not to mention the reins!

Rule of thumb

  1. If the horse is consistently forward at his best natural tempo without variation - Rhythm
  2. Feels as though he is running on railway tracks throughout changes of direction - Suppleness
  3. Seeks the rein forwards and down as though he's leading his rider gently by the hand - Contact
      - then we have established a solid foundation on which to build further training.
In practice, Rhythm and Suppleness are the basic building blocks, which in the early stages of education or rehabilitation, always require focus. Contact, as described above, will be offered by the horse when the rider has earned it!

Pat Taylor
Dressage & Equestrian Trainer
BSc (Hons) Equine Science | BHSII, SM | UKCC Tutor in Sport​
​Mobile: 07825 664495

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