Mar 6, 2016
It is proposed that trainers continuously test for self-carriage by completely releasing the reins or taking the legs away from the horse’s sides for two steps in the walk and trot and two strides in the canter and gallop. In this short time-frame, the horse should not loose gait, rhythm, tempo, line, straightness or head-carriage. We recommend the use of this technique (known as the German technique of Überstreichen) as the test of self-carriage in all movements and gaits where possible both in training and in the execution of dressage tests. This would serve to lower behavior wastage in those horses that are held in forced frames rather than exhibiting correct learned responses.
Paul McGreevy & Andrew Mclean ~ Equitation Science