'Natural Dressage'

I thought there were interesting, tho I was far more impressed with the last video, where it seems to be more the finished product. Anyhow, tell me what ya'll think.....

Wow! Those are just amazing! I watched them all the way through, and I can't believe what the horses were doing just from her body language and treats! They certainly pretty darn happy doing it too

Horses aren't dogs, that's why treats don't work. High collection isn't a 'trick', it takes horses a lot of muscle to do these actions CORRECTLY.

Most of their 'dressage' is incorrect, with sunken chests and horses on the forehand. To me, they don't look happy, either--they seem to have a look on their face that is, 'give me the damn treat crazy lady!'

Wow, all this green and yellow is trippin me out. Nice, I like it.

MayfieldK- I actually agree with you, except the last one was vastly different. The back was properly rounded, the spring was nice, even the poll was set. I hafta admit I could see the beginnings of collection and impulsion, (altho I like to see impulsion like a horse would be pulling something rather than chasing it) in the first 4 videos, but I must admit to being impressed with the last one. I didn't see the hollow back or sunken chest with him. Did notice that on the first ones tho.

I also am in agreeance with you about the treats, I expressed similar concerns when me and hubby were watching it. I also am not fond of treat giving as it lowers your status in the herd to give up food. But some horses you can use it with and some it is best not to.

However, all that aside, if I could get my horse to passage and piaffe like that with me on the ground, I would be impressed with myself - and the horse!

;)

Watch the last one again. All of the bounce is in the hind end--because the hind end is free to play, because the FOREHAND is loaded. There is no bounce in the front end, because that's where all his weight is. In the last one especially, the croup gets VERY high... when at that level of 'training', it should be low. ;)

I will admit his bounce is front heavy.

But I do think his headset is awesome for being at liberty.

i totally agree the horses have their ears back like they're unhappy at times and most of the horses are on the forehand which isn't helping the horse one bit

I agree with mayfieldk. Cheap tricks. This is NOT dressage.

I've never seen a happy dressage horse either.

Anytime you can get a horse to perform without serious equipment it's a good thing IMO. Nevermind true collection, it is not natural for a horse to trot in place for more than a few strides. Getting one to do it at liberty is pretty amazing. I wonder how many Grand Prix dressage riders could get their horses to do that?

Agree completely. These are tricks, NOT correct dressage.

Ponyboy -there are plenty of happy, relaxed dressage horses out there - that is a very bold and very very inaccurate thing to say.