A short neck indicates a problem in the connection and the early steps of the dressage pyramid of training—rhythm, relaxation, seeking the contact. William Solyntjes discusses four symptoms of a short neck.
Uta Gräf of Germany explains that this exercise is an important part of training not just for young horses or dressage horses, but for all horses.
USDF “S” judge Marilyn Heath offers advice on how to tell if your dressage horse is going with his poll at the highest point and his nose slightly in front of the vertical.