What does an elastic contact look like?!

[My Boys M&D]

Horse is currently going really well and we have recently moved up to Elementary level. The last couple of outings we have had comments on our sheet like 'lovely partnership but needs to work into a more elastic contact'. We've been getting scores of 68-70% BD so we can't be doing too badly and it certainly feels like I have an elastic contact and that we're working together but I'm wondering if what I'm feeling looks totally different to the judges?

So what are the signs of an 'elastic contact' that judges are looking for? Are there any exercises or schooling tips that can help us improve?

 

[HeresHoping]

I'm not an authority but this to me suggests there is still some tension in your contact - you or he are showing resistance. I think the judge is ultimately looking for a lighter frame (up and into the bridle) so when the transitions occur, the aids are less obvious and the horse does not demonstrate your increased or decreased pressure on the reins in his neck and back. Your length of rein, in very basic terms, is consistent wherever the horse puts his nose.

To achieve it, you need to achieve suppleness and that push from behind and so the horse's carriage is from the wither and the poll is high. So, lateral work and a gazillion transitions, and a googol of half halts, really focussing on generating power within the pace from behind.

Always, always think about where your balance is on him. It helps.

Our good dressage people will come along and tell me I'm all wrong, so please feel free to pay attention to them.

 

[DabDab]

Is it tests that are heavy with a particular type of movement that you get that comment?

I ask, because it's a similarly almost philosophical sort of comment to one my horse often gets, which is 'lacks a bit of suppleness'. We'll only ever get that comment in tests where there's a lot of extensions required, and not in the tests where there are more circles, transitions and things like counter canter. So from that I can gather that they are probably commenting on his lack of suppleness in the medium trot etc, in that he doesn't respond smoothly to my aid, remaining through as he extends the length of his stride (which is true). But they comment at the end rather than in the individual movement because it's obvious that it's a general weak point.

With your comment for example it could be that there's a bit of tension/resistance in the transitions. Not enough that they're not still obedient etc, but enough that the judge notices that little performance gap present on most of them, so has put the comment at the end. IYSWIM?

 

[Farma]

I judge and write this reasonably regularly, its generally when you see horses (perhaps in your case) with a nice way of going but a little fixed over the back and to the contact even if its momentarily, the swing through the body should show elastic steps from behind with the horse up and into the bridle allowing for the natural range of movement, if they become a little tight over the back or a bit wooden, any kind of tension over the neck or in the mouth (often showing through the transitions if everything else is ok) you will likely get this comment.
You're looking for a riders hand to stay soft and allowing the natural movement without moments of blocking or tension which can restrict the movement, the elbows should be bent and the horse should be seeking the contact with confidence.
Your scores seem good so you must be very much going in the right direction. The best example I can suggest to look at is Ingrid Klimke, any of her videos but there is a well known one of her riding a big chestnut and she lets the contact out and brings it back in on a circle and just that simple movement is jaw-dropping, incredible elasticity to the contact - definitely worth looking at for inspiration!

 

[My Boys M&D]

Thank you for your replies- that does all make sense. I got my instructor to have a sit on him last night to see what she thought and she agreed it was tiny bits of resistance, more so in the tighter turns and circles. The overall picture seems ok, this is just my perfectionism coming out! He also is quite sensitive- my instructor said he 'overreacts' sometimes to the aids, even when they are subtle so I need to work on keeping everything super quiet.

Farma, I love watching Ingrid Klimke, it's almost hypnotic! She has such a good connection with the horse when she rides. Serious dressage goals there!