Balance & Collection in Horse Training
An unridden horse is naturally in balance. When he is asked to carry a saddle and rider, however, throughout his training, he needs to learn to balance himself with the rider in different situations, over varying terrain, in various movement patterns, exercises, over jumps, and even at the halt. The rider is supporting this by following the motto: Ride your horse back to front into balance. Only when the horse is in balance can he develop his full movement potential. The rider should interfere with the horse’s movement as little as possible and allow the process of balancing with their hands. That of course requires the rider to have a balanced seat. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl explains: “Not only do I not want to interfere with the horse, I also want to be able to shape him. In order to do that, we primarily need good balance. If we ourselves are in good balance, we can better help our horses to find their balance. This allows us to sit “in” the horse.”
Balance in Various Dimensions
As the dressage training progresses, our goal is for the horse to find self-carriage, the forehand to elevate, and to open the possibility of increased collection up to the most challenging movements. The act of balancing happens across different dimensions: laterally (right and left) in the direction of movement, and forward and backward. Vertical movements are also implicated. Generally speaking, we can say that the more supple and relaxed the horse is, the easier it is for him to find balance.
The Horse’s Neck as a Tool for Balance
The horse’s neck plays an essential role as a tool for balance. By re-positioning the neck, the horse can continue to find his balance. As training progresses, the stride becomes narrower (straightening), and the hindlegs step more and more under toward the center of gravity (collection) – as it is described in the FN Riding and Driving Guidelines Volume 1.
When working in collection, self-carriage is an essential element. Only when the horse steps further under his center of gravity, lifts his back, and becomes light in the hand, can he truly carry: that’s self-carriage. The guidelines state: “A horse who lowers his haunches with well-bent joints appears to move uphill and is better able to display lofty gaits. The neck has to be long enough to be used for balance. The muscles of the underneck are relaxed, whereas the topline muscles are working actively and visibly, carrying the neck. The neck is relaxed with the poll at its highest point.”
In this interview, Benni explains the role balance plays, why it is so important for your horse, and how the rider can help to improve it:
Balance starts with you – and grows with your horse. In DressurFit, you strengthen your body awareness and stability; in the Aubenhausen Academy, you learn how to guide your horse into balance.
Start your journey toward greater balance – for you and your horse!