The Training Scale

From my very first lesson with my new trainer, she made it very clear how important the Training Scale is. So what is the Training Scale? Here's the elements of the scale: Relaxation, Rhythm, Contact, Straightness, Impulsion, and Collection.

There is a wonderful book that explains the steps in great detail, Six Steps To A Schooled Horse, by Susan McBane.

So, the Training Scale applies to every type of training, with every horse. Even though I wanted to learn dressage, the scale stays the same. Because JJ was out of shape and had been out of training for who knows how long, we had to evaluate him and see where to start. At our first lesson, JJ and I could barely make a turn or transition. We had never cantered, and I had no idea how to ride with any sort of contact. Neither one of us were relaxed, and there was no rhythm to speak of. So guess where we started?

For the first few months, we would start every lesson by lungeing JJ, to relax him and also to improve his rhythm. She was not trying to "get the bucks out" or tire him out, but actually schooled him on the lunge. This meant lots of walk-trot transitions to get him to use his body and find his rhythm. I also learned how to lunge, and would do that 3 or 4 times a week on my own.

Then my trainer would ride him, since I am not experienced enough to work on myself and my horse at the same time! She did simple exercises: change of rein at the trot, serpentines, circles, all at the rising trot, all trying to get JJ working in a relaxed, even rhythm.

Then I would ride, and try to get myself sorted out so that I didn't interfere with JJ's new relaxed rhythm! After a few months, we were doing SO much better, and all from just trotting and doing nothing more than "simple" movements. Magic!