Training Scale

In which European country was the Training Scale (Scales of Training) first developed?

The foundation (first step) of the training scale is _ _ _ _ _ _. This should be established and consistent in all three paces prior to further development.

The second step on the training scale is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . There are two aspects to this - lateral and longitudinal

Which is the third step on the training scale which completes the foundation?

• Rhythm

• Straightness

• Suppleness

• Contact

• Impulsion

To assess the quality of the trot, length of stride and activity should be taken into consideration - if the trot is active the horse should be:

• Over tracking

• Tracking

• Under tracking

• Tracking up

• Tracking down

To assess the quality of the walk, length of stride and activity should be taken into consideration - if the walk is active the horse should be:

• Over tracking

• Tracking

• Under tracking

• Tracking up

• Tracking down

The scales of training intend to?

• The scales of training only apply once your horse is advanced

• The scales are designed to provide a systematic and logical framework for training

• The scales are designed to provide a way to work one level at a time

• The scales only apply to competition horses so they meet requirements

What is longitudinal suppleness?

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Answer explanation

The term longitudinal suppleness refers to the horse’s suppleness over his top line, including back, neck, poll, and jaw.

How can you tell if your horse lacks longitudinal suppleness?

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Answer explanation

f your horse isn’t supple through his back, you’ll notice the following:

the horse is hollow and above the bit

the rhythm is not consistent

when asked to extend, the horse loses balance, quickens his tempo, and hollows

the horse’s hind legs are not engaged and underneath him

transitions are unbalanced and rough

when you ask your horse to move forward from your leg, he’s slow to react

your horse is always on his forehand

As you can see, if your horse is not longitudinally supple, there’s a lot that can go wrong!

Signs that longitudinal suppleness is lacking include:

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Answer explanation

the rhythm and tempo vary

the horse is above the bit

the horse appears tense and resistant to the rider’s hand and leg

the outline appears forced as if the rider is holding the horse’s head in position

the horse is unbalanced through transitions because he is blocking the rider’s half-halt aid through his back

the horse’s hocks are not engaged and underneath him

the horse works on his forehand