The Evolution of Dressage: Balancing Collection and Energy
Carl Hester, a celebrated dressage rider and trainer, recently shared insights that are transforming the perception of dressage as a sport. The article, "Carl Hester: ‘We don’t want tension in dressage – we want collection and energy’," highlights key strategies for successful training and competition, underscoring the importance of integrating collection and energy while eliminating tension for improved performance and horse welfare.
Understanding Collection and Energy in Dressage
Collection is a pivotal element in dressage, involving the balanced transfer of weight from the horse's forehand to its hindquarters. This dynamic allows the hind legs to flex more, enabling a harmonious lift of the forelegs. Rather than slowing down, collection requires maintaining impulsion and energy, as detailed by Michael Baker. Hester emphasizes that riding actively forward strengthens the horse, preparing it for collection. The transition from an extended canter to a collected pirouette illustrates a horse's capacity to sustain energy through varying movements, encapsulating the essence of the sport.
Addressing Tension: A Common Concern
Tension in dressage can negatively impact both performance and the horse's well-being. Renowned trainers like Carl Hester and Kyra Kyrklund advocate for innovative methods to encourage relaxation and natural self-carriage in horses. Notably, the proposition to integrate a ‘give and retake the reins’ movement into Grand Prix tests could revolutionize the sport. This technique, already utilized in young horse tests, permits horses to exhibit self-carriage without undue tension — an essential step towards more equitable and effective dressage practices.
Practical Tips for Enhanced Training
Carl Hester's training philosophy adheres to the German Training Scale, which encompasses rhythm, relaxation, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. Some tips aligned with his approach include:
- Relaxation and Self-Carriage: Encouraging relaxation is pivotal. Implementing exercises such as suppling on a circle and walk-canter-walk transitions can aid in shifting the horse's weight to the hind legs.
- Core Strength: Riders' core strength contributes significantly to the horse's self-carriage. Basic exercises like standing in the stirrups can aid in the relaxation of the horse's back and frame.
- Half-Transitions: Teaching horses to modulate between expansive and concise movements fosters collection. For instance, half-halts on a 20-meter circle can enhance the horse’s jump in collection.
Innovations and Cultural Shifts in Dressage
The recent LeMieux National Dressage Championships at Somerford Park revealed notable shifts in the dressage world. Hester praised the triumph of British-bred horses, sparking a call to revise championship schedules to better suit participants. Furthermore, there’s a newfound appreciation for chestnut mares, which have recently excelled in competitions, indicating a cultural shift in their perception within equestrian circles. Such achievements underscore the increasing inclusivity and adaptability shaping modern-day dressage.
Looking to the Future: Reforming Dressage Competitively
The recommendations by Carl Hester and Kyra Kyrklund offer potential to revolutionize dressage competitions by championing horse welfare and promoting natural self-carriage. Emphasizing relaxation and energy is moving the discipline away from past critiques and towards a more expressive and harmonious pursuit.
Overall, Carl Hester's insights highlight the delicate balance between collection, energy, and relaxation, reinforcing these as non-negotiable elements for success in dressage. As the sport continually evolves, the focus on these aspects promises not only to boost performance but also to ensure the well-being of the horses involved, fostering a more sustainable and ethical environment for all.