Observable factors to measure a horse’s progression

To make it easier to understand and to supplement the goals described in the various existing documents, international judge and trainer Bernard MAUREL, proposes, based on his experience, to specify the observable factors allowing to appreciate the correctness of the work acomplished.

Rhythm¹

Observable factor 2 – rhythm of the footfalls : correctness of the natural rhythm of the three gaits ; the walk consisits of 4 regular beats, neither sluggish nor precipitated, with freedom in the neck ; the trot is a two beat gait with a moment of suspension in a natural tempo ; canter is a three beat gait with a moment of suspension.

Observable factor 3 – stability and regularity of the strides : the rhythm of the beats is the same going through the three gaits, with no jolts, whatever track is followed ; the rhythm is maintained when changing direction ; the rhythm of each of the gaits is not disturbed when going from one gait to another.

Observable factor4 – absence of dissymetry : at a walk both hind limbs engage similarly, ; at a rising trot the rider can trot indifferently on either diagonal, strike off to canter is readily obtained on either leading leg.

1- When referring to correctness of the pace, the author prefers to insist on the  « rhythm » of the footfalls, and the moment of suspension in the trot and canter, the correctness of rhythm. The idea of tempo and amplitude come later on.

Physical and moral relaxation

Observable factor 2 – contact with the bit is free from tenseness or agitation : the mouth is quiet ; the lips and the nose do not show any signs of being tense ; when the tongue is visisble it is pink ; and the noseband is adjusted so that it does not prevent the horse from moving his jaw.

Observable factor 3 – stability and discretion of the rider’s aids : the hands direct the horse with barely visisble actions ; the legs keep the horse active without being used permanently or too markedly ; the seat is stable and accompanies the horse’s movements.

Observable factor 4 – tail swinging : the tail is carried naturally and shows no signs of being tense ; the horse’s topline functions in its entirety ; locomotion is elastic and supple.

Observable factor 5 – the rhythm of breathing is natural : at a canter in particular, the horse breathes in time to the rhythm of the gait ; when at a halt after a period of work, he gets his breath back quickly and relaxes his breathing. 

Connection

Observable factor 1 – engagement and activity of the hind legs : the horse is controlled by the aids. Both hind limbs are engaged beneath the horse and their thrust ensures the propulsion required to extend the gait. Their activity shows the receptiveness of the horse in his forward movement, and gives the gaits the same ease and elasticity as the horse would have in his natural state, all the while under the rider’s control.

Observable factor 3 – mouth in connection with the hand : confidence in the connection between the mouth and the hand shows with a quiet mouth, free from agitation or tenseness, and which follows the indications given by the hand. When the rider lengthens his reins, the horse naturally relaxes towards the ground without trying to escape or become over lazy.

Observable factor 4 – elasticity, suspension, propulsion : the entire topline is functioning. The obsevable factors from the first two levels are confirmed when the walk is supple, the horse can easily extend ; in the tempo of the trot, which is maintained in the transisitions, and when doing lateral work ; and in the rhythm of the canter with 3 beats and a moment of suspension, which is not degraded in counter-canter, when extending or when seeking balance in small circles.

Observable factor 5 – the horse is encouraged to connect to the rider : fluidity of the work and the back functioning correctly, are the signs of a horse who is able to extend his neck at any time, or amplify his pace. The rider can act by means of the reins on a receptive mouth.

This level includes lateral and longitudinal exercises. The ensuing complicity enables to begin competing, or ensures sufficient safety for more demanding and regular leisure riding.

The desire to go forwards, propulsion and receptiveness

Observable factor 2 – activity : the natural desire of the horse to go forwards is channeled into regular energy ; activity is shown in how the upper joints of the limbs function (stifle and hocks, elbows and knees). It is a sign of the effectiveness and harmony of the horse’s movements. If it stems from annoyance, it is damageable, as it overlaps from the second level. If it stems from a strong presence of the rider’s legs, spurs or stick, it will quickly become useless. When it is accepted as gymnastics in well constructed sessions, it is considered as an observable factor of ideal impulsion.

Observable factor 4 – fluidity of movement : shows receptiveness to the rider’s demands ; seamless passage from one gait to another, when going from a straight line to a circle and vice versa, flying changes at a canter, going into or out of a lateral movement without any jolting, are all signs of a harmonious relationship between horse and rider.

Observable factor 5 – ease of transitions : transitions within a gait, he ability of the horse to extend or collect, to adopt a slower pace or to accelerate, show that the rider’s actions, especially if they are discrete, are  perfectly accepted and integrated in the horse’s learning curve.

Observable factor 6 – immediacy of strike off : easily striking off to canter from a walk, to trot from a halt, and even from rein-back to canter show a satifactory level of receptiveness. Extending a gait without any hesitation, without losing balance, and in answer to discrete aids is the sign of a generous horse, physically ready to provide an effort.

Once this fourth level on the pyramid is reached, the horse and rider combination is established. The horse has finished his physical development, and is attuned to his rider even if there can still be some ups and downs. The technical level enables the horse to be competitive in any discipline. The basics are well enough established to be able to lean towards a specialisation, or to intensify leisure riding based on a synergy giving a high level of satisfaction.

Symmetry between Left and Right, harmonisation between fore and hind limbs, thrust in a straight line

Observable factor 2 – neck bend : in movements on a bend, the muscles on the inside of the neck flex, this flexion can be noted from the poll to the base of the neck.

Observable factor 3 – similitude of canter : work on either leading leg becomes analog, the dressage horse will be able to execute flying changes more frequently, the show jumper will approach a fence with ease with either leg leading.

Observable factor 4 – transitions : the hind legs remain engaged and active in all upward or downward transitions. The front limbs maintain their gesture and activity. A transition does not cause an irregularity either in front or behind (a hop, hind legs joined together, over elevation of a front limb, …)

Observable factor 5 – extending the gait : increasing the amplitude does not mean that the hind limbs should lose engagement, amplifying the gesture in front can only be obtained if the shoulders are free. Reducing amplitude does not compromise either activity of the hind limbs nor suppleness of the front limbs. In variations at a trot the canon bones remain parallel.

Observable factor 6 – changes of attitude : the general attitude when the horse shortens or lengthens his frame. At a walk this corresponds to extending the topline, with the nose going forwards ; at a trot, the change is not as marked but is still visible ; at a canter it corresponds to a slight opening in the angles (head-neck, flexion of the hind legs, front leg gesture).

Observable factor 7 – thrust in straight lines and on a curve : the hind legs precisely follow the track of the front legs ; at a walk each beat has the same amplitude ; at a trot the haunches are in line with the shoulders, and the hind limbs do not widen during an extended gait ; at a canter there is no deviation to the line followed and thrust is maintained whatever the rhythm or track followed.

Observable factor 8 – riding the corners : impulsion should not slacken when going through the corners, or in tight turns. Coming out of a corner should be in balance, ready to thrust forward on the straight line, or for an immediate inflexion, or a more elevated attitude.

Weight moving backwards, manoeuvrability, receptiveness

Observable factor 2 – flexibility of the haunches : the horse can go forward at a slow walk (at a walk without any change in the rhythm of the gait) ; he can maintain a diagonal gait at a trot either on the spot or moving at a slow tempo ; he can maintain his canter almost in one spot or turning round his haunches. These three exercises show suppleness of the hind limbs which can both carry the horse’s weight for longer than in the working gait, and can flex to maintain the activity of the limbs.

These visible, and sometimes measurable, markers which we have called observable factors can help the rider, trainer or judge, and even the spectator or owner, to get a good idea of the horse’s level of work. Today, with images circulating fast and everywhere, it can be useful to know what to look for and why. And especially to appreciate it with regard to the priorities given in the pyramid of training, where each step counts, even if they are all interwoven, as training a horse is at the same time an every day task, but also long winded. The detailed information given here does not however replace an intimate knowledge of how a horse functions, from the time of his birth up to his final use, knowledge for which practical skills and equestrian feeling will obviously complete any observation.