//--- forwarded letter -------------------------------------------------------
>
> From: "Diane E. Nelson" <nelsonde@ttown.apci.com>
> Date: Thu, 14 Mar 1996 12:34:11 -0500 (EST)
> Subject: [endurance] Self-carriage
>
> There is a definite difference amongst the various breeds in terms of how
> a horse will fulfill the human image of "Self Carriage".
>
> The Warmblood, particularly the Swedish, Danish and Hanoverians, have a
> high dgree of self-carriage, seemingly beginning at birth. Observe foals
> at liberty and they will display a natural "down-and-round", floating
> kind of gait. However, the Warmbloods are very difficult to collect,
> particularly if the rider is short-legged. That is why in the States you
> see so much "false collection", with the dramatic break at the poll and
> the horse dragging its hind end around the ring. "Down and round" does
> NOT equal "collection". What the breed gives you is a fighting chance,
> with proper seat and educated hands, to achieve real collection.
>
> The Thoroughbred is much easier to collect but will display (depending
> upon breeding and training) varying degrees of natural self-carriage.
> Again watch the babies. And the TB has the additional advantage of
> intelligence and willingness to work that the so-called "dumb-bloods" do
> not.
>
> Then we have our Arabs. These guys hit the ground with erect tails and
> noses pointed to the moon! Watch the babies. The natural way of going
> is head erect, concave back, elevated croup. Add the weight of a rider
> and you further "hollow out" the picture. I can get an Arab to travel
> with his nose on the ground (the ultimate down 'n round), but only after
> 2 years of careful, correct training--including correct lateral work.
> Could we hazard a guess that self-carriage for Arabs is different from
> that of WB & TB's, especially at the trot? Most Arabs going down the
> trail will have--on average--a more erect way-of-going. Perhaps we need
> to redefine the concept of self-carriage for the trail horse. Within the
> normal parameters it is easy to spot that which is "incorrect" -- stiff,
> stabby gait, hind end dragging along like some kind of caboose,
> exaggerated arc to the hind legs as the horse approaches a racing trot,
> little or no freedom in the swing to the head and neck in rhythm to the
> trot. In fact, it is the concept of "rhythm" which would best define the
> working gait for an Arab...on trail. (Ring work is different, it is ridden
> differently and with more control, with emphases placed more on a rigid
> set of standards for hand/seat/legs).
>
> You cannot go miles down the trail in collection, but you can go miles
> with a natural rhythmic self-carriage appropriate for the breed. I would
> suggest that the canter is a more appropriate gait, can be done with more
> "collection" and rounding that the racing trot can possibly achieve.
> Gaits designed for speed (racing trot and gallop) often call for the very
> kind of high head-hollow back syndrome we think we should avoid (check out
> trotters & pacers at your local SB track, watch TB's race). The canter
> can be controlled with a three point seat system allowing you to manage
> length of stride, speed and collection. You cannot do that at the trot
> if you are standing in the stirrups or in a 2-point position. You simply
> do not have the kind of control that will influence and encourage a more
> rhythmic gait. Posting to the trot is the only way that you can
> achieve rhythm, but you must post intelligently, switching diagonals
> every few strides (I count to 20-25, then switch until it becomes
> "habit"). You control speed and length of stride through how fast YOU
> post and how you apply leg contact. Merely rising out of the stirrup
> puts unnecessary pressure on the tiny surface of the bars. You have to
> do it through the entire calf with your thighs loose and flexible knees.
>
> Guess that's enough dressage-on-trail for today. Would appreciate
> feed-back.
>
> Saddle survey coming along--will bring everyone up-to-date soon.
>
> Diane @ Safe Haven
>
> End of endurance-digest V1 #345
> *******************************
>
>
>
Ray Santana
UC Davis Medical Center
Network Operations
raymond.santana@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu