Focuses on how to build controlled rearing movements such as pesade and levade using body preparation, patience, and strength.
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Key Techniques for Rearing into Collection
- Slow Preparatory Signals – Use posture, knee bending, and pointing to shape hind-end engagement.
- Build Duration with Counting – Teach the horse to hold a position longer using audible cues.
- Encourage Collected Takeoff – Reward small, thoughtful lifts over fast or hollow rears.
- Use of Props – A plank can serve as a marker to differentiate pesade from levade.
- Differentiate Cues Clearly – Helps horses distinguish rearing from backing or other maneuvers.
Challenges and Adjustments
• Overly high rears can lose balance and control.
• Rearing out of frustration or confusion can become a default behavior.
• Mixed cues during groundwork may need clarification over time.
Key Insights
• The strength lies in the preparation more than the lift.
• Levade is a muscle and balance puzzle built through play and understanding.
• Shape what is offered rather than force a preset ideal.