A detailed exchange on how to build upward energy, expression, and lightness in collected work such as passage.
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Key Techniques for Developing Passage
- Quality Transitions – Use clean transitions with poll flexion and softness to build strength and control.
- Mimicry – Have the horse mirror your own trot-passage transitions and energy shifts.
- Spanish Walk and Trot – Help develop upward leg action and shoulder flexibility.
- Flexion in Movement – Start from flexed posture in halt, build up to flexion in walk/trot.
- Work at Liberty – Encourages voluntary engagement and experimentation.
Challenges and Adjustments
• Tension during transitions hinders development.
• Overfocusing on head position can neglect hindquarter engagement.
• Spanish trot isn’t a substitute for passage but can prepare the mind and body.
Key Insights
• Collection arises through coordination, not force.
• Transitions and liberty work reveal biomechanical truths.
• Timing, softness, and patience bring quality and joy to collected work.