11/14/2024
Let’s talk about ✨True Collection✨
and ❌False Collection❌
A simple definition of true collection in a horse is when. . . A horse has forward movement (with controlled power, and driving from the hind end,) while remaining responsive and soft.
Many people seem to think collection is achieved by pulling the horse's head down and back with the reins, causing their backs to hollow out, become heavy on the forehand, and likely put them behind the vertical — this is ❌False Collection❌
But, when we break it down, what does that actually mean? Here are just a few components. . .
📍First let’s get the four main parts of a horse down. These are the four parts you should be able to control —
Head/Neck, Shoulders, Rib Cage, & Hind End.
✨Vertical Flexion✨
A horse should be in vertical balance and have a straight spine to bend correctly. Teaching a horse vertical flexion is important as it not only encourages softness and responsiveness, but also teaches them to be more independent.
✨Softening The Ribcage✨
When you teach a horse to soften its ribcage, it makes it easier for the horse to set up their inside hind leg as a pivot point. Once they establish their pivot point it allows the horse to distribute its weight more evenly and get balanced on their hindquarters.
✨Driving From The Hindquarters✨
In True collection, a horse shortens their body by drawing their hindquarters forward and underneath their torso. When so doing, the horse raises their back to make room for their hind legs, arches their neck, then typically lower their head. Making the horse round through the back and neck.
