Making Practical Application to the Training Scale ""Rhythm & Relaxation
- Category: Training Tips
- Published Date
- Written by Randy Byers
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Western Dressage is a progressive training method that uses Classical concepts and principles as the basis for a strong foundation. The Training Scale is that foundation we use as a check list to evaluate our progression. Remember that the Scale is "Dynamic", not "Static" meaning that after each schooling lesson or movement you need to reevaluate the horse and your performance with the Scale.Your success is not just to understand "The Scale", but to make practical application to it as well ! Below are just some of the many ways to make an application to Rhythm & Relaxation.
Other valid explanations:
Patrick King Sometimes the rhythm helps to build relaxation, and sometimes we need relaxation before we can achieve rhythm. Like Ray Hunt always taught us, 'Somtimes you have to move the feet to unlock the mind, and sometimes you have to unlock the mind to move the feet.
Cynthia Stotler Koscinch They work together. Balance and rhythm first and within that rhythm comes relaxation. They are both at the bottom of the training scale as they are the foundation.
Trenna Atkins Cynthia, I agree with balance and rhythm but also tempo. Rhythm is the regular beats but they also have to not be rushing or too lazy as in tempo. As you say, this develops relaxation and hopefully more use of the topline, back and ability to relax the neck (not needing it for balance)
Jen Johnson That's right... just go somewhere! Get the horse's mind off of whatever he is afraid of and just relax and be in the moment. I also like to use "Predictable Change" to relax my ponies. I flex the poll and jaw one way for a little while and then the other way.... the more tense, the more often I change to keep the horse focusing on me.... I'm not talking Clinton Anderson here, just little flexions...
This article was inspired and credited to the NAWD Professional group!
Other valid explanations:
Patrick King Sometimes the rhythm helps to build relaxation, and sometimes we need relaxation before we can achieve rhythm. Like Ray Hunt always taught us, 'Somtimes you have to move the feet to unlock the mind, and sometimes you have to unlock the mind to move the feet.
Cynthia Stotler Koscinch They work together. Balance and rhythm first and within that rhythm comes relaxation. They are both at the bottom of the training scale as they are the foundation.
Trenna Atkins Cynthia, I agree with balance and rhythm but also tempo. Rhythm is the regular beats but they also have to not be rushing or too lazy as in tempo. As you say, this develops relaxation and hopefully more use of the topline, back and ability to relax the neck (not needing it for balance)
Jen Johnson That's right... just go somewhere! Get the horse's mind off of whatever he is afraid of and just relax and be in the moment. I also like to use "Predictable Change" to relax my ponies. I flex the poll and jaw one way for a little while and then the other way.... the more tense, the more often I change to keep the horse focusing on me.... I'm not talking Clinton Anderson here, just little flexions...
This article was inspired and credited to the NAWD Professional group!
