The scales of training, taken from the German Military Manual are shown as:

RHYTHM

SUPPLENESS

CONTACT

ENGAGEMENT

STRAIGHTNESS

COLLECTION

We believe that the Scales of Training is a system that works for the training of many different types, breeds and temperaments of horses. We acknowledge that there are other "systems" utilised by many renown trainers around the world, but we find that most other systems are mainly effective with specific types of horses. Over 30 years experience has led us to the conclusion that the "Scales of Training" is a system that is more encompassing across many types of equines than any other.

HOWEVER

We strongly believe that in order to use "The Scale of Training" there is a need for the rider to have clear understanding, and well developed "OWNERSHIP" of their position and the signals that they use.

We further believe that before the rider can truly start to develop their work plan, that the horse must learn to "ACCEPT" both the riders position and the aids that they give. In their initial training, through weakness, instinctive reaction, and lack of clear understanding, most horses and ponies will compromise the riders position if allowed, and for the same reasons will quickly learn to negotiate the aids, again if allowed.

THEREFORE

We believe that time spent at the beginning of the horses career, or at the beginning of a retraining period, with a rider who has "OWNERSHIP" will enable the horse to develop the strength, the understanding and the confidence to progress more easily through the "Scales of Training" Without "ACCEPTANCE" it is much more difficult to establish RHYTHM, SUPPLENESS OR CONTACT, which are the preparation for work stages.

To be Continued.