Here is a simple exercise that can be incorporated in a subtle way throughout your work to simultaneously test your horse's straightness, evenness in the bridle, and suppleness in the poll.
Nearly every rider will experience plateaus in their training. Only those that have the patience to keep a good attitude while pushing through them will ever get there.
A horse has to be straight to have true impulsion. Any stored energy leaks out where the body is crooked, changing the energy in the stride from impulsion to merely forward momentum.
"As a result of the appropriate gymnastics and training of the horse, the appearance and the movements of the horse will be more beautiful." ~ Colonel Alois Podhajsky And if it's not, there is probably something wrong with the training methods!
"I am so surprised/shocked that almost every time I ask even an advanced rider to ride without stirrups they moan or make a face. A serious rider should prefer riding without stirrups. I even have riders who have never ever ridden without stirrups. Come on teachers, let'