With Rhythm, Relaxation and Suppleness comes...

See several examples or different outlines at Liberty, Bitted, and Bitless

Contact, The Frame, or a good Outline. So following this line of thinking, Each area needs to be fairly consistent to have the other. So they are all connected to the whole end product or resulting picture.

It is a sometimes back and forth dance in the training scale because as you work with one thing, you can lose another. So here is where the problem solving value of the Training scale is.

If we have Gotten to "Contact" on the Scale, it implies that we have the first 3 elements fairly intact. Rhythm, Relaxation, Suppleness equals Contact in theory. As the Contact gains quality, We can start to add "Impulsion" which is the 5th element on the Training Scale.

The problem solving starts when we lose something when we start asking for more of something else. For Example: As I start to add Impulsion, I lose Suppleness and therefore Contact or Outline. I would go back to working on Suppleness to regain the Contact and then if I felt it appropriate, I would try to add Impulsion again.

Another example of problem solving with the Training Scale would be. I have a good Rhythm, and when I go to Supple further, I lose the Rhythm or the Tempo changes. So I have to go back to settling the Rhythm to where I want it before I go back to Suppling again and trying to work toward Contact.

All of this can take Minutes, days, weeks, or months to achieve consistency so don't just think this will all come together in one ride. You just stick to a program and you'll know when it is appropriate to add the level of difficulty. My rule is, we have to be fairly consistent at each element before going to the next and be prepared to back up the whichever is necessary to maintain the foundation components. Basically that is what the Training Scale is. The foundation of all training and if there are cracks in the foundation, they'll be problems in your training.

What does good Contact look and feel like? Well it is a result of what the horses whole body is doing that produces a good, soft, outline. It is often thought to be fixed at the mouth or poll but this is not really true. The poll plays a small role but it is something that the horse OFFERS when their body and back are relaxed, supple, and moving in a good rhythm. The correct head and neck position are a by product of a good work program. Also this can be achieved at Liberty, Online and under saddle. As always, I like to start a concept at Liberty, Carry it through online, and then under saddle. The transition is so easy for the horse then, that is fun and simple. How training should always be!

Remember, all conformations, fitness levels, and disciplines seek different carriages (Outlines). At Liberty it is easiest to see what the horse is most naturally capable of and then build up from there over time. Some horses will be naturally heavier in the Contact , and some are naturally lighter as well as softer vs. stiffer. Work with what your horses' natural tendencies are and you will see improvement over time. More videos soon!
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