At the heart of dressage lies the relationship between the inside leg and the outside rein. These two elements are not just important; they are fundamentally intertwined, each relying on the other for true connection and harmony.
Inside Leg Meets Outside Rein
To understand this relationship, think of your inside leg as the initiator of movement and your outside rein as the stabilizer. The inside leg cues the horse to move laterally, while the outside rein provides the necessary support and balance. If you’re using your inside leg without engaging the outside rein, you risk losing control of the shoulders, and the horse may become unbalanced and on the forehand. Conversely, relying solely on the outside rein can restrict the horse’s movement, making it stiff by dropping the inside ribcage (which causes a lack of bend). Both need to work in tandem for the best results.
Spiraling the Circle: An Effective Exercise
One great way to establish this connection is through the exercise of spiraling circles in and out. This exercise serves as a visual representation of the inside leg to outside rein dynamic.
1. Begin on a Circle: Start by riding a circle in the center of the arena. Focus on keeping your horse’s shoulders aligned with the inside of the circle while subtly applying your inside leg.
2. Spiral In: As you spiral in, maintain a light but firm contact with your outside rein. This helps to guide the horse’s shoulders inward while keeping the rib cage lifted. Focus on encouraging the inside hind leg to step under the horse’s body, allowing for more swing and freedom.
3. Spiral Out: Gradually spiral out while maintaining that same connection. The outside rein should continue to support the horse’s balance, with the shoulders staying to the inside, as your inside leg encourages more bending. This reinforces the importance of keeping the horse’s shoulders aligned with the path, preventing them from drifting outward. The spiral out is the most important part of the exercise as it shows you exactly how the two aids work together to create bend, engagement, and brilliance.
The Role of the Horse’s Shoulders and Rib Cage
A key factor in the success of this exercise—and any dressage movement—is keeping the horse’s shoulders to the inside. If the horse’s shoulders begin to fall out, it disrupts the entire balance and fluidity. This is where the inside rib cage comes into play; it must lift to promote the freedom of movement in the inside hind leg.
Keeping the inside rib cage lifted allows for greater engagement from the horse's hindquarters. When the inside hind leg steps under, it contributes significantly to the horse's overall balance and rhythm. In dressage, this is crucial because a horse that can maintain a lifted rib cage will present a more elevated frame, improving the quality of movement and overall performance.
Establishing a harmonious relationship between the inside leg and outside rein is essential for effective dressage riding. Through exercises like spiraling circles, riders can develop a deeper understanding of how these elements interact. Remember, the goal is not just to ride your horse but to create a partnership where both horse and rider feel connected. With time and practice, you’ll find that the dance of dressage becomes more intuitive, allowing for greater expression and freedom in every stride.
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