The modern horse comes in many shapes, sizes and temperaments. Every type of personality exists, from exceedingly boisterous to annoyingly timid; from endearingly committed to perfectly professional. In absence of a central purpose, as was the cavalry, there is today no one guide to train, judge or evaluate a horse. Most likely nowadays the owner's purpose produces the horse's program. Success often is hampered by man's lack of time. Many horses do not nearly spend enough time under the saddle to properly develop their potential.
Common sense, the research of equitation's biomechanics and dynamics and empiricism, however, none-the-less suggest some trustworthy guide lines.
One. Before starting a horse it is indispensable to evaluate its physical and emotional state. No matter what the horse's previous experience or the training's imminent or distant purposes the following questions must be answered. (1) Is the horse in need of core stabilization? (2) Does it need more muscle? (3) Must it be more supple? (4) Is it prepared to elevate? These questions reflect each one major aspect of provisions in the horse for riding. The horse has a core. Muscles rest in a continuous fascia skeleton and, as a result of superior innervations, it commands a second gear.
Two. Progressions from (1) to (4) help the horse to unfold the innate ability to serve a rider. These steps constitute a path along which the rider guides his mount into self-confidence, trust and performance. It is the only path, which riders of all levels and all horses may walk safely. The core must be stable before any demands are made. The body must oxygenize and be supple before the idea of service and performance arises. Putting it another way, disrespect for the steps of this progression creates never ending work in the saddle. It produces a confusing array of measures, which more often than not dead end in frustration. The horse's dual nature permits for riding. There is a confirmed path to follow. So we follow it.
Back to point one. How does a rider learn to evaluate the horse? How can he answer question (1) to (4) with any degree of certainty? Obviously, this is the issue at hand in a new modern equitation. Information, proprioception and experience are the answer. Or, see the horse track, feel it turn and experience how it rises. Yes, it is that simple. Pre-existing psychological and physiological problems in the horse and/or in the rider, however, may blunder this simple resolve.
Three. What is the purpose of a horse's training? All horses have the self same options. Not all riders, however, have the same goals. Vast differences exist in their perception, ideas and intentions. One rider's obvious can be another rider's riddle. A piano can produce a rock song, contribute to a symphony or interpret a modest melody. A horse can be trained to jump, tackle the out-doors and do the movements of the Haute Ecole.
Instruments, animate and inanimate, stand in man's service. It is the horse's nature to fulfill the rider's wishes. Gladly it goes for his aids. When horse and rider merge, their common mammal nature makes for a puzzling experience, which - though dearly thought after - is rare in equitation today. Joint in body and soul, they perform together, no matter to which end, in and not in conflict with the forces of gravity. Whatever leads up to this experience is the purpose of SomE's training.
