Deepening the collection process.

It's all about perfecting control! As you reach Level 2, we will teach you the techniques you need to master the skill of establishing total control over your horse's body. This is the level where you learn to smoothly change and enhance the frame of your discipline! Understand the path to perfect control in any discipline:

For the English horse - the goals

1. A shifting of your horse's balance to achieve that "rocked back look."
2. Learn how to elevate your horse's head and neck.
3. Develop that "big push from behind."

For the Western horse - the goals

1. Establish "rate" for your horse's jog and lope.
2. Develop that soft, steady, balanced head position.
3. Control your upward and downward transitions for a totally smooth appearance.

For the Hunter horse - the goals

1. A smooth, consistent, dependable frame.
2. Develop a lengthened, ground-covering stride.
3. Gain control over the "rate" of each gait for a dynamic performance.

Level 2 covers: The development of different frames with balance and carriage through the refinement of the different techniques introduced in the Level 1 Seminar, and the addition of new techniques to enhance response times.

A training plan for each horse and rider, with respect to their discipline, that incorporates and "blends" the different techniques covered in the Level 1 Seminar. Learn that in order to create balance and softness a much different routine than simply "walk, trot, and canter" is necessary. Learn to structure your own training plan by having the ability to correctly "diagnose" your own problems. This ability to diagnose your own problems comes from knowing your horses conformation, knowing anatomically "what must occur, in order for your horse to be correct," and knowing what technique, or combinations of techniques will produce this effect. This knowledge, ultimately, enables you to be totally responsible for your ride.

The concept that the refinement of ultimate balance within a frame comes from your ability to define a "zone," or a range of motion, that your horse works within. The most ineffective way to create balance within a "position" is to restrict your horse to only that position. Working your horse in this manner creates resentment to that position, and an unwilling attitude towards returning to that position.

New techniques:

• Advanced long lining.
• The differentiation of leg pressure to refine, and create, elegant responses.
• The development of "pre-cues," or "triggers," that enable you to ride your horse with finesse.
• How to tell if your horse is unsound, or "bridle lame," and if so, how to manage that condition.

At the completion of the Level 2 Seminar each participant will be able to accurately pinpoint different problem areas in the working patterns of his horse. The participants will have the ability to design a work program that will address these issues and lead to enhanced balance within their respective frame. Each horse and rider team will be developing the communication necessary for elegant riding.

Visit our descritive pages for each
level of the Accel Series.

[ Accel Basics ] [ Level 1 ]
[ Level 2 ] [ Level 3 ] [ Accel Jr. ]

[ LaCroix Home ]