Hht Dressage diagrams

Intelligent, Informative Infograms


They say a picture is worth a thousand words - these dressage diagrams give a unique visual clarity to many fundamental aspects of training and riding horses in a gymnastically sound way.


We do our best to express our methods clearly in words, but words can always be ambiguous, so sometimes an image can get things across much more effectively.

Dressage is almost always judged and assessed on visual appearances, and this often leads to superficial characteristics being valued, such as a particular 'outline' or spectacular action.

Our approach to riding is founded in feel, not appearances, because we believe this is the most sure way we can determine true balance, power and harmony in movement. This feel does not always add up to the visual appearance that is sought after, but we have studied the visual characteristics that do correspond with gymnastically sound work, and this is what these diagrams set out to show.

Click on each dressage diagram to see the image bigger and read the description.

The Evolution of the Rider

The Postural Ring

How To Sit On A Horse

Reinventing the Wheel?

Parallel Diagonals

Biomechanics of the Bend

Head-Carriage Misconceptions

How To Verify Lateral Work

The Bridge of Engagement

The Dynamics of the Seat

The Biomechanical Directions of the Rider

The Development of Collection

The Training Spiral

Teeth and Hoof Care:

Positive and Negative Cycles of Wear and Function

The Hindlegs Tell The True Story

Sound Equine Biomechanics

Postural Alignment



Return from HHT Dressage Diagrams to Happy Horse Training home


The pages on HHT are so wide-ranging and interrelated that we strongly recommend you look at the site plan to find other subjects that may interest you.

How To Ride A Horse In Balance

Rider Biomechanics

What Does 'on the bit' Really Mean?

How to Ride Dressage... Real Dressage!


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