It is often not easy to express training frames, let alone in pictures!
We are all very proficient at seeing the finished product, as we have seen in so many photos, but where it is often difficult to head is towards the frame and the training of the dressage horse.
Please remember that for a horse, as a human athlete when thinking gymnastics, there are stretches and training techniques that certainly are not always easy and certainly don’t look like the finished product. However these gymnastic exercises produce supple and talented athletes, as they do in horse. The exercises are progressive and never create pain!
If we were to ride the four year olds and upwards horses, always in the competition frame, we would have stiff, sore and not-pliable, not-friendly athletes. It is always important to have adjustability and this is never done with strength…. but through progressive suppling exercises to encourage power and confidence. In the dressage horse of course, it’s about carrying the rider easily on his back. This carrying capacity relies on core stability, balance and confidence, and this is achieved through appropriate training and strengthening to Grand Prix.
This charming Appaloosa with a well-balanced and talented rider, is showing a progression of frames that are adjustable and light. They are used for a purpose. A good purpose. They are all in one forty-minute session and are never held for lengthy periods of time.
There are many walk breaks and changes of direction and pace.
NOW….
It would be great to hear comments about what these frames are useful for, and for you to look and see what differences are seen with the various degrees of roundness and point them out. I always like to say there is no frame in training that is incorrect… AS LONG as it is specific and adjustable, light, and never heavy or forced and of benefit and reasonable. Please do not hesitate to comment and we all learn through positive input and ideas.
Head to the Facebook post above to have your say!
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