A PROGRESSION IN SELF-CARRIAGE "Equestrian art starts with the perfection of simple things."                                                                                                      (Nuno Oliveira) Riding horses is a dynamic process.  The training of horses is an evolutionary process. A dynamic process consists of a succession of activities that can be repetitious. An evolutionary process is a progression towards set objectives. It is ever changing. At least until the objectives are met. Training horses for competition sets acheivable objectives. Compromises can be adopted to help obtain temporaryily satisfying results. Training horses for artistic performance is a continuous challenge. The main objective for each movement is perfection. It can be neared. Seldom reached, its quest fosters attention to details. Like knowledge its pursuit is endless. The paramount question is: "How fast can the progression evolve." And, the answer is: "As the twigs grow." It is not a hazard that "Docteur Centaur" has a tree on its logo. The growth of a tree is a symbol for this message. Twigs grow nurtured, sometimes battered, by their environment. Horses and riders as well. Inspired by such a growing philosophy, "A progression in self-carriage" is a strategy for riders and trainers to help train horses without resorting to force. "A progression in self-carriage" relies on the understanding of the study of motion and its control, Imprinting Neuro-Kinesiology (INK). It introduces many training exercises that should be repeated until they are learned, understood, and perfected to imprint the evolutionary process. The classic progression "Calm, forward, straight, light" is respected for each movement and transition. It applies to each step of the evolutionary process. Only movements that are performed in sustained lightness are near perfect. Imprinted self-carriage crowns perfect performance. This series of articles will follow the multi-directional progression of training horses and riders without the use of force.

Copyright 2000. All rights reserved to Michel Kaplan & Beau Geste S.O.A.R.

This page was last updated on: October 30, 2001