Biomechanics: mirroring the horse’s functionality

Another reason I don’t like to focus on the term outline is that we need a variety of outlines which mirror the horse’s functionality. We are talking about the dynamic function of muscles and joints that are not static, right down to the micro mobility of the joints of the spinal column. It is this synchronised action of groups of muscles and the movement of your horse’s joints — the lifting of the abdominal muscles and back, tucking of the pelvis bringing the hindlegs further underneath the body, and the optimal functionality of the neck — that creates the different profiles.

Focus on underneath the skin

I like to focus on what is happening underneath your horse’s skin rather than being fixated on the outline of the head and neck. When I’m teaching, I talk about neck vertebral joints and the rider inducing micro mobility — that is, tiny flexions and extensions of these joints.

It’s the creation of these very small movements in these joints, from where the skull joins the first neck vertebra all the way down the neck, that leads to the rider feeling that their horse is becoming flexible. It also creates the desired picture to an observer, such as a dressage judge. It is this adjustment and micro mobility that creates the good way of going that we’re all trying to achieve. So don’t just think of ‘outline’ in the singular but in terms of a variety of profiles and dynamic functions.

Put it into practice

If you are going to do a dressage test at a certain level you may need to show gait variations such as collected, working, medium and extended. Plus some tests require stretching on a circle and long rein sections. Each of these variations requires a different outline; you may need to show five or six different outlines in one test.

Then let’s think about general training and maintenance of health (see roundel, left). We need to practise controlled and careful stretches to optimise our horses’ musculoskeletal efficiency and their long-term mental and physical health.

So no more aiming for just an outline, but instead a variety of outlines.

Think about what is happening under your horse’s skin — the aim is to create flexibility in the joints

In a test situation, different outlines are required for certain movements such as allowing your horse to stretch on a circle