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Before
we can talk about flexing
or
collecting
we
need to understand what collection
is.
Collection
is
just that; it is to collect or to bring
together. It is something that has to come from
deep within the horse itself. In essence it is
an internal sense or presence. Once a horse is
able to master collection
it
will allow the horse's total potential of
athletic ability to come to the surface.
We
must first start with the way a horse is built
or put together --- or what is most often
referred to as the conformation
of
the horse. It is the conformation of the horse
that will be the greater part of the entire
equation in determining the degree of total
collection
that
can be achieved. For collection is determined
by; the horse's speed, the length of their
stride,
as well as their own rear leg
operation
all will either help or hinder the ability to
collect. In addition there is always the ability
to understand timing, for timing is what refines
the ability to collect.
A
collected
horse
is
a true ballet-like movement
experience.
A collected horse is a good horse to ride. The
body of the horse become in time and is smooth
and supple in action as well as relaxed.
Collection
comes
from the rear of the horse and constitutes a
balanced
horse
in motion. When a horse is collected it projects
confidence
and
a presence then it also relays to the rider a
feeling of great power that is under control.
Next,
we need to look at and start to understand flexing.
Now flexing is the athletic ability of
the horse to bend, and this flexing can be
accomplished in two different ways. One way is
to move up and down. Where the other is to move
side-to-side, or left to right.
The
flexing
or
bending of the horse originates in the neck
of
the horse, specifically in the areas where the
poll
and
the head are joined.
Collection
in
a horse is nothing more than allowing the horse
to realize its total potential as an athlete.
And understanding collection, for the rider,
starts in the control of the hands. For once
that you start to understand the use of your
hands as a communication
tool
to obtain collection, you are well on your way
to some of the greatest experiences and rides of
your life. A collected
horse
is
a horse that floats in motion
and
is able to react to your requests for movements
and changes as fast as you ask for them. The
starting point of collection in the horse is in
the hindquarter
.
Here
is where you must realize that collection
comes
from your ability to let go. Here is where the
rider has to have to personal self-confidence
to
stop balancing off of the reins for
their own support. This is where you must ride
and at the same time -- and let go. Relax ~ let
the reins go loose, start at the walk (progress
to closing your eyes), progress to the trot
and
finally to the lope.
But, do not go onto the next gait until
you have mastered the previous gait at the loose
rein. Once that you have mastered that you are
ready to give that same confidence and freedom
to the horse to go into collection.
For collection is a natural thing and
cannot be hampered by you in any manner. In
fact, by pulling on the reins (as to balance
yourself)
it tells the horse to brace itself for some sort
of command. If you were to pull back on both of
the reins at once you are telling the horse to
brace its neck, and if you put more pressure
on
one rein over the other you are telling the
horse to move in a lateral
motion.
There are many horses that have had this done to
them so much that the horse is in a constant
state of self-defense
and
trust
goes
out the window.
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The Movement of
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