Klaus Balkenhol and Garcon Winning the 
Grand Prix Freestyle, Stuttgart German Masters, 1995
Photo by Kyra Beth Houston

Training Scale

Common Mistakes In Pushing Too Fast

1. Tightening the noseband.

"A horse resists by sticking out its tongue.  Tightening the noseband too much puts pressure on the nose and on the poll.  If it is necessary to tighten the noseband very tight, then something has gone very wrong in the basic training of the horse.  The horse cannot be relaxed, the first step on the training scale."

2.  Specializing too early.

"Drilling every day in the indoor arena is too intense for the young horse.  It is very important especially in the first two years of training not to specialize the young horse.  Training should include a variety of activities including trail riding which is good for the mind as well as building strength with hill work, jumping either free or low jumps under saddle including small natural obstacles on the trail, and cavaletti.  Variety of work will allow the horse to stay mentally fresh and enjoy his work.  Only when the horse is happy, can dressage become art."

3. Not checking tack frequently

"Saddle and tack needs to be constantly checked for proper fit and adjusted as the horse's body changes with growth and as his fitness improves with the training.  If the noseband gets too low for example, the skin between the noseband and the bit is rubbed and becomes sore, causing the horse discomfort and loss of relaxation.  Regularly check for sharp edges and bite problems in the horse's mouth and teeth."

4.  Working too long.

"The goal of our training is to build the mind and muscles of the horse. Suppleness and relaxation require adequate muscle strength.  Strengthening requires both contraction and relaxation. Blood flow and oxygenation occur when the muscle relaxes.  If the muscle is kept in a constant state of contraction, it loses power and strength and actually becomes smaller. Frequent rest periods especially for a young horse at a free walk on a long rein are necessary.  The rest periods are not for a rider's fatigue but to allow the horse to stretch and relax his muscles.  The rest breaks will give you a completely new horse.  This is the systematic gymnasticizing of the horse."

5.  Riding when the horseman is tense

"Horses are especially sensitive to the rider's mood. The rider should not ride if she is under undue stress or doesn't have enough time to ride.  If the rider has a bad day, give the horse a rest day or go for a relaxing trail ride, don't try to work in the arena.  The horse mirrors the rider's mood."

6. Not praising a horse enough

"The horse must perform from joy not subservience.  Praising a horse frequently with voice, a gentle pat, relaxing the reins is very important to keep the horse interested and willing.  If a horse offers piaffe, for instance, because he is excited, praise him for it. You shouldn't stop the lesson at that point nor make a big deal of it. If you don't want piaffe, quietly urge him forward into trot, but you should NEVER punish him for offering the piaffe.

The rider of a young horse should have developed a seat of Velcro on the longe so she can confidently sit a buck.  If a young horse wants to buck a little, it's natural and will relax the horse.  Do not punish the young horse for just being a horse."

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