Klaus Balkenhol Seminar - page 2 of 4

Muscles Need to "Breathe"

Michelle Gibson demonstrated a long-strided walk as Balkenhol talked about choosing a young horse such as the eight-year-old World of Dreams, looking for correct conformation and three good gaits. He noted that through Sprenger research it had been discovered that Thoroughbreds have a lower smaller jaw.

World of Dreams' dam's sire is a Thoroughbred, so depending on jaw size, the rider must choose the correct bridle. "To have natural movement, the horse must be comfortable at all times," said Balkenhol, adding he had checked the tack and it fit well. At the trot, Balkenhol pointed out how World of Dreams constantly bends his joints to produce an elastic trot, allowing his rider to sit comfortably in shoulder-in and half-pass. In extended trot he kept the same rhythm, showing that he was secure on Gibson's aids and in her hands.

At the walk break, World of Dreams stretched forward and down, showing that the work had been correct. Balkenhol stressed the rest periods because they give the muscles a chance to breathe. "If muscles don't get the rest and work all the time, they don't have oxygen and will get tired, then the horse no longer wants to try for the rider."

They completed their trot work by demonstrating passage, then piaffe on the diagonal. In canter, Gibson showed lengthenings, then changes every three and every two strides. They took one more walk break, then finished with a flamboyant extended trot down centerline.