Next on the Training Scale is...Impulsion

Impulsion is after Contact in the Training Scale. It is suggesting that the best time to add Impulsion is when the first three Rhythm (Relaxation), Suppleness, Contact are fairly consistent. That said this is merely a guideline and there are times when you need to be outside the box with certain horses. It is always best to listen to your horse when applying any principle or idea to your program.

There are some horses that are so backed up in there energy and movement that forward, high energy exercises may be prioritized before other areas. I find Liberty work especially helpful with these types. It builds the bond and Connection while simultaneously working on the technical aspects of the Training Scale and Natural Impulsion. I find this preferable to using a lot of artificial aids and force which can have the reverse effect of shutting a horse down and sending them introverted. And worse breaking the horses' desire and enjoyment of the interaction of riding.

Impulsion and being in front of the leg also go hand in hand. I want to put my leg on and feel a surge of energy no matter what. I have to feel a change in energy on some kind. If there is a problem here I will work within the Scale on the ground and mounted to help the horse and I overcome it together.

True Connection (the physical kind), Straightness, Roundness, and Collection, cannot be achieved with out a good gas pedal and the understanding of how to balance the energy coming from behind so we are not just pushing the horse faster and faster and more on the forehand. A feel for the horses natural fitness is important also as you can ask for more than they are truly capable of and wind up creating other problems here instead of getting more quality. The photos show two horses moving nicely forward with the first 4 elements of the Scale being applied. Remember breaking each element down will allow you to bring them all together with experimentation and different patterns. The last pattern I posted of circle to straight line of 6 or more strides to another circle and so on is also a suitable pattern for working on impulsion. Sometimes as a horse moves with more Impulsion on a straight away, they lose their balance, rhythm and suppleness. Going back to the circle and staying there will help get those elements (Rhythm, suppleness, contact) back at which point you can go back on the straight line and work on Impulsion. That's where the problem solving value comes in. You keep working on all the pieces until they all come together. Don't hesitate to ask questions or comments below!
FDT
http://fdhorsetraining.com/