What’s the New Pyramid of Training for Horses?

For decades, the training pyramid has been a staple of dressage training. It’s a foundational guideline for developing horses systematically and correctly, ensuring they move with grace, balance, and harmony. 

However, in 2019, this time-honored framework underwent significant updates to reflect the evolving understanding of equine development and modern riding techniques. These revisions, while subtle, have important implications for how riders and trainers approach horse training.

If you’re looking to refine your understanding of the training pyramid or simply start your dressage journey on the right hoof, this guide will break down the updated pyramid step by step. Plus, we’ll introduce an innovative tool, the Reign Ease® PRO-C, that complements these principles, giving your horse a training edge in dressage.

What Is the Training Pyramid?

The training pyramid, sometimes referred to as the “training scale,” is a progressive framework designed to shape a horse’s physical and mental development through systematic training. Every step on the pyramid builds upon the last, creating a harmonious progression toward balance and collection. The steps of the pyramid are:

1. Rhythm
2. Suppleness
3. Contact
4. Impulsion
5. Straightness
6. Collection

Each element is interrelated, meaning no single step stands alone. From the very first ride, whether you’re establishing rhythm at the walk or practicing collection at an advanced level, all steps of the pyramid are in play in some capacity. The ultimate goal? Achieving balance, harmony, and lightness in both horse and rider.

What’s New in the 2019 Training Pyramid?

The 2019 revision introduced updated terminology and an even greater emphasis on foundational elements. Here’s what changed:

• Step 2 Updated: The term “Relaxation” was replaced with “Suppleness.”
• Step 3 Updated: The term “Connection” was replaced with “Contact.”

These updates emphasize not just the state of the horse but also what that state achieves. For example, suppleness implies elasticity and freedom of movement, while contact emphasizes a harmonious acceptance of the aids, particularly the bit.

Breaking Down the New Training Pyramid

1. Rhythm (Regularity and Tempo)

Rhythm sits at the base of the pyramid for a reason. It refers to the sequence of a horse’s footfalls at walk, trot, and canter, as well as the consistency of its tempo. Without a clear, pure rhythm, every subsequent step falters.

Correct rhythm ensures that the horse moves in balance, with freedom and elasticity. Dressage training should enhance natural gaits, not diminish them. A consistent tempo also allows for better transitions and increased self-carriage.

2. Suppleness (Elasticity and Freedom from Anxiety)

Suppleness is now a more apt replacement for relaxation in the updated pyramid. Why? Because suppleness highlights the horse’s ability to move fluidly and pliantly, both laterally and longitudinally. It reflects relaxation, but with more emphasis on physical elasticity.

Suppleness impacts the horse’s ability to bend correctly, flex its joints, and maintain smooth responsiveness to the rider’s aids. Over time, it can improve the horse’s overall conformation and quality of movement.

3. Contact (Connection and Acceptance of the Bit)

Contact replaces connection in the revised pyramid, underscoring the importance of a horse’s acceptance of the aids. This includes the bit, rider’s hands, and legs.

True contact is about harmony. The energy the rider generates with their aids flows through the horse’s body, creating a light and steady connection at the reins. The goal is to achieve an elastic feel, free of resistance.

4. Impulsion (Engagement and Desire to Go Forward)

Impulsion is the spark that propels the horse forward with energy and eagerness. It’s measured by the suspension, elasticity, and thrust in the trot and canter. Impulsion is critical for developing the horse’s medium and extended paces.

Proper impulsion begins with engagement of the hindquarters, where the horse carries more of its weight and moves with increased power and suppleness.

5. Straightness (Improved Alignment and Lateral Suppleness)

Every horse has a natural asymmetry, being “hollow” on one side and stiff on the other. Straightness is about correcting this imbalance, ensuring the horse moves evenly on both reins and engages its hind legs equally.

By achieving straightness, the horse improves its lateral and longitudinal balance. This step is essential for preparing the horse to progress toward collection.

6. Collection (Balance and Lightness of the Forehand)

At the pinnacle of the pyramid sits collection, a hallmark of advanced dressage. Collection requires the horse to shift more weight onto its hindquarters, allowing the forehand to become lighter and more maneuverable.

True collection enhances cadence and power in each stride, with shorter yet more elevated and purposeful steps. It’s where all the previous steps come together in harmony, enabling the horse to move with the ultimate balance and engagement.

Complement the Training Pyramid with Reign Ease® PRO-C

While the training pyramid outlines the theoretical principles for equine development, practical tools like the Reign Ease® PRO-C by Gladiator Equine bring those principles into practice.

Why Choose Reign Ease® PRO-C?

The Reign Ease® PRO-C features SemiCera® technology, a breakthrough design that promotes a more secure head-to-neck connection. Here’s how it aligns with the pyramid:

• Enhances Suppleness: Encourages neck flexibility and freedom of movement without medication.
• Supports Contact: Improves responsiveness, helping the horse accept aids more harmoniously.
• Boosts Impulsion and Collection: Aids in smoother strides and greater power, making it ideal during competitive training settings.

Using Reign Ease® PRO-C as a supplement to training can enhance your horse’s abilities, calm anxious horses, and elevate your equestrian goals.

Create Harmony with the Revised Training Pyramid

The updated training pyramid isn’t just a checklist — it’s a roadmap to developing a willing, capable, and harmonious equine athlete. By focusing on rhythm, suppleness, and contact, and progressing toward impulsion, straightness, and collection, you create a systematic pathway to success.

With tools like the innovative Reign Ease® PRO-C, you can bridge the gap between theory and practice, elevating your horse’s performance efficiently and naturally.

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