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Tip/Quote of the Day # 409
"It must not be forgotten that, in order to maintain precisely the same tempo and the momentary balance, the hind legs must step more under to the extent that the center of gravity is located more forward and the head and neck are positioned lower. The more the horse is elevated, on the other hand, the less he needs, nay, the less he is able to step under with his hind legs.
It is especially this work with a low neck carriage without reducing the collection that forces the horse to step under as much as possible. It flexes, strengthens, and hardens the hind legs the most by increasing the load they have to lift." ~ Otto De La Croix
The important thing to take from this, in my opinion, is that it benefits the horse to work in different frames throughout your work. Good long and low work with active hind legs and a real connection over the back will help to increase the range of motion of the joints, and build strength for the more collected work.
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