by Judy F » Tue Aug 30, 2005 11:22 am
I agree with Chenders. Not sure what that lady was trying to do,
but 'long 'n low' is only an exercise in dressage, not a
head-set. If anything, dressage works on a "body-set" -- light in
front, hind end curling under, head just a little in front of vertical
(behind in VERY BAD). At training level, the horse should be
essentially level with the neck elevated and nose at little in front,
no collection, just moving forwards with a smooth rhythm, responsive to
the riders aids. As you go up the levels, the forehand gets more
elevated as the horse develops the muscles to carry itself from behind.#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
The highest marks at the higher levels go to horses that can carry
themselves from behind, going from collected to extended paces and back
again (apparently) effortlessly, without significantly changing their
outline. But it's not a head-set, it's all in working from behind
on those really well-developed muscles.#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
To ride well is the mark of a gentleman. To ride too well is the sign of a mis-spent youth. Athena the owl in "Outfoxed" by Rita Mae Brown.
-- Distrust any enterprises that require new clothes. EM Forster