23/11/2022
THE OUTLINE - TRAIN YOUR EYE
Whichever discipline you practice, you're aiming to achieve balance through strength and lift. But how do we achieve this and what does it look like?
This diagram created by Naomi Tavian, perfectly illustrates extension and flexion. Study this diagram and look at your own photos, train your eye to see the forces acting on the horse's body.
One thing I notice is that in the diagram, there is no bridle. This is because technically speaking you don't need any bit or bitless bridle to achieve it. Lift does not come from the head, just as it also doesn't come from the hind. Lift of the thorax is achieved purely through the thoracic sling, which is made up of pectoral muscles and the Serratus ventralis cervical & thoarcis muscles. The croup will naturally tuck under to support the lift (balance), creating the perfect 'outline'. As the horse becomes stronger, they will raise the poll to be the highest point to full collection (not shown in diagram).
How we strengthen these thoracic muscles correctly comes from a combination of exercises including extension and stretching (both on the ground first and then ridden). Just pulling on the reins and driving with the leg is not the way forward (pun intended). Training for strength and flexibility doesn't come from endless trotted circles, it comes from a proper plan, understanding of the horse and good management to ensure a horse is in the right place to start such a journey.
