finds relaxation and regains his balance. After that, the rider can once again proceed with the medium trot. This rebalancing exercise should be done until the horse clearly understands how to respond to the driving aids of the rider by offering more impulsion without tension. In conclusion, the
Iberian horse finds the forward movement through strength and flexibility (freedom of movement), not by forcing the head down (or in any unnatural position) and kicking the horse forward, as is often seen. Riders should find accuracy through the physical conditioning of their horse, and the development of their feel, and not through forceful riding and exhausting repetition.
this exercise goes against how most Iberian horses are built by nature, which is uphill. As a result, there should be a physical preparation before this exercise is practiced with them, just as one would prepare a horse for any new movement which would produce a change in his balance. To force a horse to put his head down while driving him forward is not the real purpose of long and low. Instead it should be used as an exercise to begin to open the frame after warming the horse up first in his natural balance. While using the
Tina on her Lusitano stallion Nalgarve demonstrating a correct trot stretch where the horse steps under, stays round and lowers his head while maintaining excellent balance.
RIDING LONG AND LOW It is important that the rider understand that long and low is an exercise and not a way of riding the horse. Generally
exercise of long and low, the rider should begin to lengthen the frame through relaxation and not impulsion. The most important aim of this exercise is that the horse engages his hind legs, lifts his shoulders, and relaxes
his head forward and down (refer to photo above). When long and low is done correctly, the horse will not
64 May/June 2011
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