The Flow of Collection: A Balanced Approach to Dressage Training
How do you perceive the dressage training pyramid? Traditionally, this scale has been envisioned as a progressive journey, with the art of collection standing as the apex of mastering all tiers. Yet, the term "scale" carries a multitude of meanings. One such meaning is an instrument of measurement, reminiscent of the early, simplistic balances. With this perspective, might we not equally refer to the scale of education as the balance of education?
In fact, the concept of scale in nature suggests a harmonious interplay of elements rather than a one-way progression. Consider how animals, ecosystems, and even our own bodies rely on balance for survival and thriving. Just as a horse must balance mentally and physically within its training, so too must a rider balance the principles of the training scale in each ride. Rather than treating the scale as a ladder to be climbed with the goal of collection at the top, perhaps we should view it as a dynamic process—where rhythm, relaxation, and connection remain as essential at the end of the training session as they are at the beginning.
The word “scale” also brings to mind the world of music, where a scale is not something that is “climbed” in a linear sense, but rather a sequence of notes that flow together to create harmony. Musicians use scales as the foundation for every composition, but mastery isn’t in simply reaching the highest note—it’s in how each note relates to the others, how tension and release create a balanced and beautiful piece. The same could be said for the training of a horse. Each “note” or element of the training pyramid—rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection—must work in harmony to produce balance and flow. No one aspect is more important than the other; they are all interdependent.
In both music and riding, balance and harmony are ongoing goals, not endpoints. A musician never stops needing to return to the fundamentals, just as a rider never stops needing rhythm, relaxation, and connection. Mastery in either realm doesn’t mean leaving the basics behind but finding a way to integrate them into a harmonious whole.
If we think of climbing the scale, or pyramid, we often imagine reaching Collection as the pinnacle, as if it’s the final destination where all previous elements can be left behind. This mindset creates a dangerous misconception—that once we achieve collection, we no longer need to focus on the foundational principles of training like rhythm, relaxation, and connection. However, staying solely in collection without returning to those basics often leads to imbalance. When we prioritize collection at the expense of everything else, we start to force straightness, demand impulsion, take contact without softness, and, in doing so, lose suppleness. The natural rhythm that underpins every healthy ride begins to slip away.
The result? You end up with a tense, unbalanced, unhappy horse who is physically crooked, lacks true impulsion, and becomes disconnected from the rider. Instead of harmony, you have conflict, both in the horse’s body and mind. Just like in any other aspect of life, balance is the key to sustained well-being. A pyramid standing on its tip, with collection as its narrow focus, is inherently unstable. For real balance, we must constantly revisit and reinforce the foundational elements at the base—rhythm, relaxation, and connection—to keep the entire system functioning healthily. In this way, collection becomes a product of balance, not something to be forced or “climbed” to at the expense of other qualities.
True training, like true balance, requires constant adjustment, an awareness of where we stand, and a willingness to step back to move forward. The horse, as a living, feeling partner, thrives in an environment where balance, both physical and mental, is the focus—not rigid goals of achievement. Balance, not collection, is the real key to harmony and health in horse training.
To achieve those beautiful moments of true collection and self-carriage, we must not rush or force the process. The middle layers of the training pyramid—Contact, Impulsion, and Straightness—are essential indicators of whether your horse is ready for Collection. But we shouldn’t linger too long here without revisiting the foundational elements. It’s important to return often, and easily, to relaxation, rhythm, and suppleness.
Contact should never happen at the expense of suppleness. When contact becomes rigid or forced, the horse will lose the fluidity needed to move freely. The connection between horse and rider must be soft and elastic, allowing for give and take, without tension building in the horse’s body. Similarly, impulsion should not compromise rhythm. While impulsion provides energy and forward movement, it must be controlled and harmonious with the horse’s natural tempo. If we push for impulsion without maintaining rhythm, the horse may become rushed, lose its balance, and fall out of sync.
Straightness, too, cannot be achieved by force. True straightness comes from a supple and relaxed body, where the horse’s energy travels evenly through its entire frame, not just being pushed or held into position. Without suppleness, the horse’s body becomes stiff, and crookedness will inevitably creep in. Therefore, each of these elements—Contact, Impulsion, and Straightness—must work in harmony, supported by the foundational principles of rhythm and relaxation.
When the horse is ready, Collection emerges naturally. Collection, the apex of the pyramid, should only be asked for when all of the other building blocks are securely in place. It is a highly demanding state, both physically and mentally for the horse, and must be approached with care. In the beginning, ask for small bouts of collection, but always return to relaxation before fatigue sets in. These moments should be brief at first, but as the horse gains strength, balance, and coordination, you can ask for longer periods of collection.
However, collection is not something to “hold onto” indefinitely. If, during collection, you notice that any of the building blocks—rhythm, relaxation, suppleness, contact, impulsion, or straightness—begin to falter, that’s your cue to return to the basics. Start by revisiting rhythm and suppleness, the foundation of everything. Then reassess the contact, impulsion, and straightness. Only when all of these elements are in balance should you touch on collection again.
This process should be repeated as many times as necessary to cultivate a horse that is rhythmic and supple in the contact, with impulsion traveling straight through its body into collection. After each successful bout of collection, allow the horse to relax again. This cycle of asking for and then releasing from collection builds confidence and stamina in your horse. Each time you revisit collection, the horse becomes more capable of sustaining it for longer, but remember: never ask for more than the horse is able to give. In fact, it’s best to stop asking for collection before the horse shows signs of strain or discomfort. By stopping early, you leave your horse with a positive experience, which will help him approach collection more willingly next time.
