After developing awareness of spinal alignment, balance, and smooth energy, the next step in horse training is to peel back another layer: allowing posture to arise naturally. This process focuses on building a better body, enabling the horse to cruise effortlessly in good posture, moving with grace, confidence, and harmony.
Good posture is not about forcing the horse into a specific frame or position. Instead, it emerges organically when key elements align: throughness, swingy rhythm, flowing energy, balance, self-carriage, effortlessness, and maneuverability. These touchstones aren’t just about biomechanics—they reflect mental and emotional calmness, creating a horse that feels free yet connected.
Challenges can arise, particularly with horses who have been conditioned to "do it" rather than allowed to explore and figure things out. For these horses, finding balance and posture organically may require more gentle signposts and consistent guidance to rebuild their trust and confidence in the process.
Similarly, occasional feedback like coming behind the vertical often indicates an underlying imbalance (if not forced constantly mechanically through the hand) rather than a problem to "fix" directly. Addressing these moments with patience, engagement, and focus on connection helps the horse develop true alignment and strength without force or tension.
The ultimate goal is calmness, suppleness, and throughness, resulting in relaxed activity. By observing, feeling, and guiding the horse with clarity and trust, we can create a partnership where posture becomes an expression of balance and harmony—a natural evolution of a well-guided process.
Start your journey today by creating the conditions for your horse to grow into their best posture. When posture arises naturally, it transforms both horse and rider into a true partnership in motion.
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