Schooling Definitions (Help needed)

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spotty_pony

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Hi, I am currently doing my Theory of riding on the flat assignment and I need some help defining some of these terms. (Some of them I know what they are I just don't know how to word it!)

The words are:

Lateral Flexion
Straightness
Half Halt
Impulsion
Contact

If anyone can help I will be grateful, thanks
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I just did this on google define

lateral flexion- Lateral movement of the spine away from its normal midline position.

straightness- A fundamentally desirable trait in equitation such that the hindlegs move into the line of the fore tracks on lines and circles and the longitudinal axis of the vertebral column is straight.

half halt- A subtle, sequential application of the seat, leg and rein aid that is separated in time by one beat of the rhythm of the gait. The half-halt is intended to increase the attention and balance of the ridden horse.

implulsion-he response of a horse that is correctly trained in its go/stop responses so that it moves forward energetically with a self-maintained rhythm, straightness and outline when signalled to do so

contact- The connection of the rider’s hands to the horse’s mouth, of the legs to the horse’s sides and of the seat to the horse’s back via the saddle.

No idea if this is of any use!
 
impulsion- it's the ability for the horse to move foreward actively from behind and have energy but not to rush on, and not to be on the forehand... must be working as opposed to speeding

straightness- the horse must work on 2 tracks (unless lateral movements) ie, not swing its quarters (thats a common one) if it falls in/out through the shoulder on circles/movements.


Contact- thats what is felt between the riders hands and the hroses mouth- the 'contact' down the rein. if you ask the horse to work 'into' a contact- you need impulsion from behind and you contain this energy in the hand.(between leg AND hand) So the energy is all there but between leg and hand- the hrose is working INTO a contact from behind.

lateral flexion- guessing this means head and neck flexions. includes 'counter bending', 'in-position or shoulder-fore'.. lateral meaning 'side ways'. flexions of the head to the left or right, with the horse continueing to move straight- in prep for lateral movements. or for a horse that keeps a constant outline- flexing it's head/neck from side to side will help to ensure it doesnt fix on the bit.

half halt- is like a transition with in a pace. eg you get medium, collected, extended and working trot- to get from one to another (generally) you'd do a 'half halt' to bring it down a 'gear' but still in the same pace. A horse that runs into canter- i'd do a half halt to bring the 'rushed' trot to a slower trot-then ask for the canter. it's also mainly used for a higher level of engagement- usually when a horse gets fractionally too foreward- and not 'upward' enough or not engaging or collected enough...

sorry this is an essay and people reading i've tried to explain it simply.. and not complicated- correct me if im wrong lol xx
 
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