The German Training Scale (GTS) is a foundational system for evaluating and prioritizing a horse’s way of going, serving as a guide for daily training programs. It is divided into phases, with the initial stage focusing on Rhythm and Relaxation, followed by the Development of Propulsion which introduces connection and impulsion, and finally the Development of Carrying Power emphasizing straightness and collection. Establishing a strong foundation in rhythm, relaxation, and connection makes the subsequent introduction of impulsion, straightness, and collection significantly easier. This article will delve into the basic application of the six stages of the GTS, highlighting the fundamental principles of each stage.
The Familiarization Phase: Rhythm and Relaxation
Rhythm, the core of the initial phase, is defined by the horse’s footfalls within each gait, encompassing tempo (the speed of the rhythm), the activity of the hindquarters, and the overtrack of the feet. A regular rhythm allows the horse to settle into the gait and achieve relaxation. However, if the tempo is too fast for the horse to maintain balance, relaxation will be compromised. Conversely, a tempo that is too slow may lead to a lack of activity, failing to meet the other qualities of rhythm. Balance is crucial; when compromised, the horse becomes tense. Therefore, activity must coexist with relaxation, and the horse should remain responsive to the leg without losing its suppleness. This equilibrium is achieved through the rider’s timing of aids – applying pressure to encourage a response and then releasing it as a reward, enabling the horse to learn and relax. As the horse becomes accustomed to moving forward from the leg and yielding to the hand, it progresses to the next stage: connection.
The Development of Propulsion Phase: Connection and Impulsion
Building upon rhythm and relaxation, this phase introduces connection and impulsion. Relaxation can manifest both laterally (through bending) and longitudinally (through a lowering of the head and neck and a lifting of the back). Lateral relaxation is achieved when the horse bends, stretching the opposite side of its body, similar to how a person stretches a tight muscle. This bend also deepens the connection between horse and rider. For instance, increasing the pressure of the inside rein should be complemented by the inside leg at the girth. This maintains the quality of the rhythm, and as rein pressure is reduced as a reward for bending, the leg becomes an aid for bending as well as for forward movement. Concurrently, the outside leg and rein are used to guide the horse along its intended line of travel.
Connection is essentially the integration of the driving aids (leg and seat) with the guiding aids (hand, back, and seat). When lateral relaxation and suppleness are consistent in both directions, it often leads to longitudinal relaxation, characterized by a lowered head and neck and a lifted back, initiating the beginnings of bascule. Further exercises to clarify connection are also found in the development of impulsion. These include simple gait transitions (up and down) and adjustments within a gait, such as lengthening and shortening the trot or canter stride.
During transitions, riders should pay close attention to the horse’s straightness, as horses may become crooked or shorten their stride on their weaker side. The more evenly the horse can sustain impulsion, the straighter it will become during transitions. Increased range of bend and lateral suppleness will also contribute to straighterness due to evenness in carrying power.
The Development of Carrying Power Phase: Impulsion, Straightness, and Collection
As the horse develops strength and power, its straightness should also improve. As these aspects of the GTS progress, the horse becomes capable of lifting its shoulders and withers higher for sustained periods, gradually developing the ability to collect. Collection is understood as the horse’s ability to shorten its stride, increasing the weight carried by the hindlegs, which in turn step further underneath the body with increased elevation and lightness of the forehand. This phase incorporates elements from the Propulsive Phase and relies on the foundational relaxation from the Familiarization Phase. It is crucial to remember that all six stages are interconnected, with rhythm remaining paramount throughout.
A Practical Warm-Up Routine Incorporating the GTS
A typical warm-up routine, lasting 10-20 minutes depending on the horse and rider’s level, can effectively integrate the GTS for both flatwork and jumping.
Walk (10-20 minutes): Begin with a relaxed walk on a long rein in both directions, incorporating 10-meter half-circles. Assess the walk’s regularity, checking for pacing or lateral movement. While a slightly lateral walk initially is acceptable, observe if it becomes more regular after trotting and cantering. The half-circles help evaluate lateral suppleness. Note if the horse quickens when the reins are picked up; if so, focus on slowing the horse from the reins. Observe whether the horse lengthens its stride or quickens from the leg in the initial walk.
Trot (10-20 minutes): In both directions, perform 20-meter circles, followed by serpentine exercises (three loops in a small arena, or two to four loops in a larger area). Assess the trot’s length and speed, and whether the horse is “tracking up” (hind feet stepping into or over the hoof prints of the front feet). Ensure the horse moves forward from the leg without breaking into a canter and slows down from the hand and seat. Observe if the horse falls inward on serpentines and bends freely between directions. Practice simple trot-walk-trot transitions on the centerline of the serpentine. This stage is crucial for determining if more time should be spent before moving to the canter.
Canter (10-20 minutes): Begin on a large circle, then proceed around the arena, possibly with a circle at the opposite end. Note if the horse lengthens or quickens its trot to reach the canter; if so, shorten the trot before transitioning. The horse should “lift” into the canter, not run or gallop into it. Monitor for falling in or out on the circle after the transition and use diagonal aids to correct. For less experienced combinations, practice down transitions on the circle. More experienced pairs can perform down transitions or simple changes through the trot on a diagonal. Advanced combinations can incorporate serpentines with simple changes.
Cool-down and Evaluation: After the canter work, allow the horse to walk and relax, then evaluate the next steps for the day’s training.
The USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) offers comprehensive training principles for coaches and riders. Information on their workshops, assessments, and certified professionals is available on the USEA website.
