Scales of Training

[suzii]

I think I may have finally been able to understand the whole deal with outlines and stuff.

I have found that you don't need to keep pulling at the horses mouth! I think that as you progress through the scales of training, your horse will naturally start to move in an outline.

Am I right?! Should you first focus on rhythm and suppleness, in order to build muscle and make things comfy. Then impulsion and contact (think that is the next two) as in make sure your horse is tracking up and that you can keep a steady contact - I assume this is where the outline will start to come? And then you can do collection and extension and fancy movements.

I think many people believe you have to tug at the reins in order to make a horse round but surely this will just affect the front end and can end in adverse reactions such as headshaking, stiffness etc. I could be completely wrong about this but I'm pretty sure you aren't meant to see saw at your horses mouth in order to get him working properly?

Can I have some confirmation that my ideas are right? And point out anything I've missed...

[spotti]

You're spot on as far as I'm aware Suzii . A true outline comes from behind, not from pulling the horses head in to his chest. All about balance and impulsion.

My problem is getting enough movement in the first place to work on getting balanced! Still, Faithypony is essentially a newly backed 4 year old (give or take 10 years lol) so we're taking little tiny baby steps and hopefully the bigger things will come with time.

Am I right in thinking that you're riding again then? Is Sprite ok now or are you riding at a RS?

[suzii]

Been riding at a RS but have been thinking a lot about (dare I say it) when Sprite is back in work. Also have found that because I'm not riding my own horse I haven't been trying for an outline very hard and it seems to come when both me and the horse is relaxed. I will be seeing Sprite as newly backed 4 year old too so I was hoping to get things straight in my head before attempting anything. Am going to camp at the yard in susssex next week so very excited!

[spotti]

Ooh that sounds exciting! Don't forget your camera - I'd love to see some piccies of Sprite

[fleabitten]

I would agree with spotti - that sounds pretty much how i understand it I had a private lesson a few weeks ago and was doing lateral work and somehow managed to get the horse in an outline - he just went into one himself!! I did a more direct transition to get into canter (found it hard as I was bouncing in trot and being tense) and i think that this helped get him to get himself together as well. The only times i have ever gotten a horse into an outline have been basically the horse doing it himself! and i then just sit like a knob in the saddle lol!

Good luck in the camp, sounds fun!