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Kelly
Platinum Member
England
1571 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Sep 2008 : 3:47:22 PM
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A comment in the post about Classical dressage has got me thinking.
Our schooling is very early stages, Jack is green, I've never backed a horse before or really schooled much at all, let alone taught one from scratch.
He will go on the bridle, but he does not flex at the poll - it isn't his highest point. The chiropractor asked last time if he overbends, as he had a tiny bit of tension further back (where his highest point would be). When he's on the bridle, it feels nice (if he's not too lazy to come off the forehand), more comfy and rhythmic, so he's obviously using himself better and not just bending his neck.
I've always assumed that as our schooling progresses, we will sort this out (though I have no idea how!)
But could this be his natural carriage, and would flexing at the poll be difficult/impossible for him?
I've looked at pics of other arabs doing dressage on here, and in only one photo was the poll the highest point.
Can some people who know more please chip in an enlighten me?
This is Jack at a baby dressage day - look at the last two pics for an indication of what I mean.
For info, I no longer ride him in the bitless Dr Cooks, as he developed a VERY strong aversion to the strap behind his ears (not on the poll, but behind his ears!) We now ride in a parelli halter, and yes, he will go on the bridle in that.
http://www.arabianlines.com/forum1/topic_new.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=27437&SearchTerms=dressage
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Kelly
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LadyB
Gold Member
England
964 Posts |
Posted - 09 Sep 2008 : 4:08:38 PM
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| As far as I am aware (and I probably am completely wrong!!) the poll is only expected to be the highest point in very advanced dressage, at med & novice it is acceptable to have the horse in a outline, working from behind but not have poll as highest point, I think it is quite difficult to carry the head in that position.. as I said I am probably wrong so please dont take it as gospel. |
Louise
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Kelly
Platinum Member
England
1571 Posts |
Posted - 09 Sep 2008 : 4:15:01 PM
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Thank you LadyB.
I am open to being corrected about my understanding of where his neck and head should be, so feel free, everyone!
I've just found this pic of Lipizzaners doing dressage. To me, they all look overbent, but maybe I've been wrong all along!
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Kelly
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Pasha
Platinum Member
England
3622 Posts |
Posted - 09 Sep 2008 : 4:33:43 PM
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Being overbent is never really acceptible BUT horses need to build up the strength and balance to carry the rider and perform the movements we want them to, and they can be 'forgiven' going behind or indeed in front of the bit (although I hate this term) as they are learning and developing...
I try not to worry where Pasha's head is - my goal is to have him off my leg (although I hate this term too as it's really off my seat), light and responsive, willingly going forwards, working over his back without tension or resistance - and to get there takes time.
It then follows when they're working uphill, through from behind that their front end is lighter, they are up in the shoulder and the poll is the highest point... it should never be forced.
Sorry I am not very good at explaining things 
P.S. Just wanted to add as i've just seen the picture, that it's very dangerous to look at a picture which is just a split second in time - horses like us aren't machines and even when they've developed self carriage will move their heads up or down, in or out for a split second - the one that looks the most 'overbent' in the pic may be just about to have a good old snort! |
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Edited by - Pasha on 09 Sep 2008 4:38:11 PM |
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Offira
Platinum Member
England
1583 Posts |
Posted - 09 Sep 2008 : 4:58:58 PM
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I echo what Pasha is saying, your horse is lovely - the only comment I feel qualified to make is when riding him think 'full' neck (relaxed and forward) if you can, so that he learns to carry himself and you forward. Difficult in a test - yee ha!
Here is my horse just coming off the "long and low" position, you can see from his head carriage that he is perfectly relaxed but the poll is not the highest point although the front of his face is nearly vertical (perhaps the rider should look up eh?  ).
The photo afterwards shows our starting point - flex at the poll? oh pur-leese!
Have a look at this http://www.classicaldressage.co.uk/Training_Scales/training_scales.html very informative I especially like this bit - sums it up really for a green horse
"Relaxation, Rhythm and Contact are part of the “familiarisation phase” when a horse is encouraged to rediscover his natural balance when carrying a rider. He is encouraged to relax, to find his natural rhythm and to seek an elastic connection to the rider via the rein"
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