Two Mountain Ranch

Always good notes from Charles.

Use of Aids in Collection - an excerpt from Training Strategies for Dressage Riders by Charles de Kunffy

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WHAT WE WANT & HOW IT MANIFESTS ITSELF

Relaxation
• Longitudinal bending (on the bit)

• Acceptance of driving aids (stepping under rather than speeding up, or lengthening rather than hurrying).

Balance
• Lateral bending (with continuous spinal flexion and without speeding up or slowing down).

• Transitions from gait to gait (without impurities or uneven footfalls).

Rhythm
• Lengthening and shortening strides (the base of the horse) without losing flexion (relaxation and stretching of muscles while skeletal balance changes).

Impulsion
• Controlled energy, manifested in slower but more suspended action; more fluent, continuous, and round action; supple use of joints owning to elastic musculature.

Engagement
• Cadence: effortless flight (suspension); minimum energy produces maximum suspension because the haunches carry maximum weight, liberating the forehand.

Photo: Patrick King

Mind and body, I would say but I'm not Charles.

Riding is a function of your mind not your body.
- Charles de Kunffy

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