[Moostang]

I was searching through the forum trying to find good tips on increasing impulsion, but I really couldn't find any thread dedicated just to the training/improving impulsion. Only brief talks here and there about doing downward transistions, but I imagine there has to be more details about what type exercises you do and other helpful tips.

So.. my request.

Please post your methods of training/improving impulsion.

I am really interested on how to improve the lazy or "easy going" type horse, but I think just a good overall discussion would be helpful.

Defination according to Equusite

What is impulsion? Impulsion is the energy that is created in the hindquarters to move the horse forward. If the horse his "pulling" himself along with his forehand, he does not have impulsion. When he is instead "pushing" with his hindquarters to get forward movement, he has impulsion.

[Dancinglite]

My post from this thread titled "impulsion"

impulsion

Impulsion is derived by employing greater driving controls causing more energetic thrusts by the hindquarters. .

If you activate the forward thrust of each leg in an alternately manner with the inside leg/outside rein and the reversal as each diagonal is offered you creat a restrain and release. This is the "ride the rein forward" I had mentioned many times before. As each leg drives the horse forward as far UNDER the belly of the horse the rein on the opposite side will restrain with the inside rein making a slight release. This will reverse itself when the leg aids change from left to right. This is not sawing as there is no pull. The rein will be released on whatever side only as much as the forward thrust of the hind leg allows.

The result will be a lifting of the forehand and dropping of the hind. The expression most often used by trainers and judges is going round refering to the hind legs going more under the horse and giving support to the horse instead of dragging it legs. The rider will feel this as a "filling out " of their seat and leg position around the horse.

All of this will be beyond the horse and rider initially. Exercise such as pushing the horse forward and bringing him back will strengthen the hind quarters and create a coiled spring effect, much like you holding a spring at each end and letting go. The spring pops out of your hand with a jump like spring, and this is what you are attempting to do.

I also posted this when speed is given instead offorward relaxed impulsion on this thread.

Getting impulsion without speed

What you need to do is to direct the energy to where it can be under better control. This horse is unbalanced and this is the reason for a high head and variations in his gaits. Bruce Wiley has the best solution and if there are no underlaying health issues the serpentine and transitions are the best methods to rebalance and allow the horse himself to correct his impulsion/speed.

Every time the horse makes a turn he will naturally slow down. If you can ensure that he is correctly on the outside rein ( for support) and CONTINUE TO DRIVE through that turn followed by the reverse turn ( opposite direction), you will by this very exercise build up his muscles, force him to rebalance himself and slowly the head will come down without you attempting to force it there.

Unless this horse is running out of control I wouldn't even try to slow him down as the usual result is the horse being ridden from front to back. With a continuous drive forward and turns you will even see some longer striding slowly developing along with better balance.

A correct lunge with the aim of getting him to relax will go a long way in balance speed and a more correct head placement.

The other thing is that when he is running to the point of not listening to you then walk. But not just any old walk. Get him to work. Walk the serpentines. At a slower pace there is time to think of what you are doing so ensure he is on the outside rein. Lots of turns at this stage. Ask for a trot when he seems setted and allow a reasonably fast trot but not one that tips him forward on the forehand or creates a head up hollowed back....because then it is time for walk again. The reasoning behind a faster trot than you may wish, is that he will want to go forward and resistance on your part will only make him fight more. The point of this exercise is allowing the energy to escape forward and you molding and directing it. Once you lose the ability to direct at the trot then bring him to a pace ( walk) where you can.

This stage if taken slowly and carefully will have its rewards....but patience is required.

Since they were missed I guess you were looking under a different users name or search identity.

[JBandRio]

I agree with that definition. Getting there is another story

It takes dedication and consistency on the rider's part. Carry a dressage whip at all times and USE IT. Expect that every time you ask him to move forward off your leg, he will, and if he doesn't, use the whip. Ask, ask again, demand it (whip). The degree to which you use the whip depends on the nature of your horse. My WB has to get it hard to get the point across. But if I did that to the TB mare, she'd leave me laying in the dirt and never forgive me

Use this to get forward movement. ONly when you have that can you start to contain and direct it with your hands. True implusion means you are recycling energy, both with your hands and your seat.

[jackiesbabyjet]

I Have a question are you doing dressage or western pleasure with your horse?

[jackiesbabyjet]

How i give my horse impulson is i put lots of leg on and pull up and so he has contact on the bit.. And use lots of leg.My Trainer didnt teach to use a whip. We use are legs to push are horses up.. Have somebody on the ground to tell you if your horse is pushed up. and usually you can feel it.

[lilrider]

Originally Posted by jackiesbabyjet

I Have a question are you doing dressage or western pleasure with your horse?

Impulsion is used for every discipline not just dressage and western pleasure. Just thought I would point that out.

[Lenadressage]

This is a good thread.

[oldhag]

Like JBandRio says - telling you how to do it doesn't mean you will be able to.

If you create impulsion without the horse understanding half-halts, you'll be run away with.

If you do half-halts without impulsion, your horse will fall asleep.

It's not something you can just do. If you ride seriously and want to improve you will eventually find the perfect balance in which controlled impulsion will develop.

Watch other riders, good and bad. Watch videos. Go to competions. You'll learn a lot.

Never give up!

[JBandRio]

Originally Posted by oldhag

Watch other riders, good and bad. Watch videos. Go to competions. You'll learn a lot.

I spent years, hanging out for days at the yearly A show our barn had, watching the schooling that was done on the warmup day, and every day after the classes were over. I listened to trainers discussing (or yelling ) things with their students, I watched what the riders were doing. Many things didn't make sense for a long time (having no trainer of my own), but over time, as I heard things repeated, saw specific problems that were fixed "instantly" by the rider doing what their trainer said, I was able to incorporate more and more into my own riding. No, it didn't always work, but that's the beauty of a lot of this - you not only learn what DOES work but what DOESN'T work - just as important. As long as you realize quickly what isn't working, you won't ruin your horse or create bad habits.

[Quick2Skip01]

Sorry to take up space, but this is a good thread, and I can't wait to read more posts from everyone. Keep em coming!!!!