The training scale is a mainstay of dressage training. After reviewing rhythm and tempo as well as relaxation and connection, FEI trainer Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel touches on the next step of the training scale: impulsion. She looks at impulsion from both the horse’s and rider’s points of view.
Impulsion from the Horse’s Point of View
“In order to enhance the horse’s beauty and actually get to what dressage is, which is like a dance, we need to see if we can get more impulsion and more engagement.“
“If you have a horse that knows the first three parts of the training scale, they will be open to add in the scope to get more cadence and more impulsion.”
“Sometimes a little changing of going forward and coming back will help to increase that little bit of cadence to get a nicer stride and a nicer balance.”
Impulsion from the Rider’s Point of View
“We really almost have the feeling like we give the horse an air ride. It is a bit like a trampoline. By bringing the horse up with my core on the up beat, I can help the horse gain impulsion by taking him forward with my hips in the rising trot or canter.”
“I can help the horse develop that impulsion and swing without interfering with the relaxation we created before in the connection because often if we drive the horse too much that’s what we lose. All of the sudden they are heavy in the hand, and we lose the relaxation.”
“We are trying to get a little bit more lift if I give him a little impulse with a soft leg on both sides of his rib cage and I try to heighten his stride just that little bit so he gets more energy off the ground.”
About Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel
Originally from Germany, Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel is an established and successful Grand Prix rider, trainer and clinician. She completed her “Reitlehrer” (federally certified Master Instructor) certification in Germany and served as a USDF examiner for the Instructor’s Certification Program. Von Neumann-Cosel is based in Woodbine, Maryland, where she resides as head trainer at First Choice Farm.
