The Training Scale Explained: How Classical Horsemanship Builds Better Riders
Quick Answer
The Training Scale is a classical framework for horse training consisting of six qualities developed in sequence: Rhythm, Relaxation, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness, and Collection.
Key Takeaways
- The Training Scale provides a logical progression for horse development
- Each quality builds on the ones before it
- Rhythm and relaxation are the foundation of all good work
- Collection is the highest expression of the scale, not a starting point
- The scale applies to all disciplines, not just dressage
The Foundation of Classical Riding
The Training Scale (also called the Scales of Training) is a framework developed by the German National Equestrian Federation that describes the qualities a horse should develop through systematic training. It's one of the most useful tools a rider can understand, regardless of their discipline.
The Six Qualities
1. Rhythm (Takt)
Rhythm is the regularity and tempo of the horse's gaits. A horse in good rhythm moves with consistent, even footfalls — not rushing, not dragging. Rhythm is the foundation of everything else; without it, nothing else is possible.
How to develop it: Transitions, circles, and changes of direction help establish rhythm. Counting the beats of each gait helps riders feel and maintain it.
2. Relaxation (Losgelassenheit)
A tense horse cannot learn. Relaxation means both mental ease (the horse is calm and willing) and physical ease (the muscles are supple, not braced). A relaxed horse swings through their back and shows a gentle chewing of the bit.
How to develop it: Patient, consistent work. Never force or rush. Allow the horse to stretch down and forward.
3. Contact (Anlehnung)
Contact is the soft, consistent connection between the rider's hand and the horse's mouth through the reins. Good contact is elastic, not rigid — the hand follows the movement of the horse's head and neck.
How to develop it: Ride from leg to hand. The horse should seek the contact, not avoid it.
4. Impulsion (Schwung)
Impulsion is the energy that flows from the horse's hindquarters through their back and into the contact. A horse with impulsion is forward-thinking, energetic, and uses their hindquarters actively.
How to develop it: Transitions, especially walk-canter and trot-halt, develop hind leg engagement.
5. Straightness (Geraderichtung)
A straight horse is one whose hind feet track in the same path as the front feet. Most horses are naturally crooked — the Training Scale addresses this through systematic suppling work.
How to develop it: Leg yields, shoulder-fore, and work on circles develop straightness.
6. Collection (Versammlung)
Collection is the highest expression of the Training Scale. A collected horse carries more weight on their hindquarters, lightening the forehand and developing greater expression and power.
How to develop it: Collection cannot be forced. It develops naturally as the lower qualities are established.
Why This Matters for You
Understanding the Training Scale helps you diagnose problems in your riding. If your horse is rushing (rhythm problem), tense (relaxation problem), or heavy in the hand (contact problem), you know where to focus your work.