Quality over Quantity

We can all agree that we would love to have our horses sound FOREVER, so thinking about quality over quantity in our training sessions seems very important.  Quality movements over “drilling” movements will also keep our horses happier mentally and hopefully more likely sound.  If we are unable to get the quality of the movement we are schooling, it may be time to reflect on how well our horse understands the movement?  If our horse isn’t sure how to perform the movement with the quality we expect – try to break down the components of the movement (the basics) and make sure your horse understands all the components.  Another reason we may not get the quality of the movement, check in with your horse that day – perhaps he/she is having a bad day?  Is there something easier you could school that day and come back to the movement next time?

So how do we determine quality?  I think that there are several ways to approach this.  If you are riding with a good trainer – you should be getting instant feedback of good quality during your lessons.  If you are riding on your own, a good way to ensure you get the best quality, imagine a judge sitting at C, or imagine a clinician you have worked with in the past standing in the middle of the arena when you ride.  What would the judge observe and give you feedback on?  Same with the clinician – try to recall advise from either and ride accordingly.  Another good instant feedback is to observe yourself in the mirror as you ride if you have them.

I also think it is so important to really ride every step during your ride without distractions.  Focus on yourself and your horse – leave the social interactions with others when you are trail riding or hacking out or just hanging out in the barn.  It really isn’t fair to expect a quality movement if you as a rider is not 100% focused on your horse, yourself and the partnership.

If you find yourself having to “drill” a movement or an exercise – you most likely have not worked enough on the basics, breaking down each component of the movement.  Take riding a canter pirouette as an example….is your horse collected and attentive to your aids in the canter preparing for the pirouette?  If not – don’t ask for the canter pirouette…work on establishing the collected canter almost on the spot before proceeding.  If your horse is collecting the canter beautifully and you start the canter pirouette…but it turns into more of a little circle in the canter rather than a pirouette….maybe it’s better to go back to the square exercise where you do 1-2 strides in the canter pirouette movement at each corner….I think that every dressage movement and exercise can be broken down into smaller micro components at any time – just practice the smaller components until they are confirmed and then put it together to the actual movement. 

Another great reason we should consider quality over quantity when training our horses, is less wear on the horse’s joints. A good quality movement is just that: QUALITY. Compare this to training for yourself. Let’s say you are out for a run. If you have proper form running, you will most likely use your muscles properly and stress your joints less. Think of that when you ask for quality of your horse, he/she will most likely carry himself/herself more correctly and efficiently with less stress on joints and more muscle fitness building.

Any good upper-level rider/trainer will not drill upper level movements every ride – I guarantee you that most rides are focused on the basics and maintaining/increasing the level of fitness of the horse.

If we serve as ambassadors for our horses requesting quality of movements, we will most likely have a sound horse for a long time. AND a happier and relaxed horse!