Wednesday Wisdom – What is Connection?
In terms of dressage training, connection is often thought of as the line from the rider’s elbow to the horse’s mouth by way of the bit. This is not a complete definition.
Connection actually comes from the seat. It is the energy that comes from the hindlegs and is carried over the horse’s back to the bit where it travels to the rider’s hand. Once in the hand, the astute rider is able to determine what the horse needs and how to deliver the aids and create the movements and quality of gaits from the horse. Connection allows for the flow of communication between horse and rider. This is essential for harmony to exist – much as in human interactions.
But connection is more than just the physical. It is about the mental and emotional connection. Its about understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses and working together to become partners on this journey. It is understanding the subtle cues and nuances of the other and being in tune with each other. The non-verbal communication is what allows the physical connection to occur. That is what creates the “dance” that is dressage.
Author: Dressage Academy
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