Christoph Hess outlines the elements of collection, what should we look for, and some exercises to achieve it – an easy-to-understand guide from the amazing Christoph. Don’t miss the gallery of Collection pictures at the end of the article. Famous dressage combinations from historic to the present day…

“Collection means the development of carrying power. The compression of the joints of the hind leg increases. The centre of  gravity is shifted more towards the haunches. The prerequisites are all the previous criteria of the Training Scale – this is particularly true of straightness and impulsion, Schwung.”

Therefore the rider should be very aware of the faults that can occur during the development of Schwung – they are:

* Irregularity (by asking too much)
* Circus trot or tense passage-like steps (caused by a tense back)
* Faulty connection (such as tilting of the head)
* Rushing
* Running
* Falling on the forehand
* Extension without lengthening the frame
* Going wide behind

Some beginning collection exercises are:

* Tempo variations in trot and canter
* Trot – Halt transitions
* Rein back
* Halt transitions
* Frequent canter – walk transitions
* Decreasing and increasing the circle in canter
* Eight metre voltés

When a further degree of collection has been achieved, the following can be practised:

* Counter canter
* Simple changes
* Turns on the haunches
* Turns on the haunches with halting before and after

The following criteria become obvious in collection:

* Harmony between horse and rider. Barely visible aids
* Elegance and presence in the horse
* Elevated, cadenced, impressive movement
* Lowering of the haunches with a corresponding elevation of the forehand
* Self carriage. light contact
* Carrying power, elasticity and springiness

Absinth

Christine Stuckelberger and Granat

Reiner Klimke and Ahlerich

Rembrandt and Nicole Uphoff, with Harry Boldt watching on…

Kyra Kyrklund and Matador at Stockholm 

Bonfire and Anky van Grunsven and Bonfire in 2000

Rusty and Ulla Salzgeber at the Sydney Games

Desperados and Kristina Bröring Sprehe

Totilas and Edward Gal

Dablino and Annabelle Balkenhol 

Uthopia and Carl Hester

Bella Rose and Isabell Werth

Don Olymp and Daniel Bachmann Andersen

Isabell Werth and Weihegold

Cathrine Dufour and Bohemian

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera

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Two star producers of the ‘F’ line – but there’s many more to choose from…