Training with Harmony

Helen Langehanenberg is an inspiration to listen to, with her approach to training. I was lucky enough to see her at work in Holland and she was warmly received at the British Dressage National Convention.
With every horse we train, whether very talented or not, it is the same approach required. It is important to explain with correct aids what you require of your horse, developing the basics of rhythm, suppleness and contact.

With a steady rhythm, the horse is asked to relax and stretch forward towards the bit. To start with, the inside rein can ask for the bend as long as it does not shorten the neck. When the horse responds and understands, then the inside leg starts to take over from the hand and the diagonal aids are established.

Slowly the weight aids and the leg aids close the horse from behind so that the hindquarters are more engaged but the front stays open and on a light hand. Without losing the steady contact, half halts are applied to achieve this transferring of weight and the hand is always ready to give.
Patience is the key word to keep the horse willing and eager, and progress is achieved when the horse fully takes on board the messages from the rider.