Movements

Collection and Extension

Collection refers to a horse's steps that remain active but cover less ground. Thus, the horse usually moves the back and legs higher with the joints well bent. In collection, the horse should look like it has the potential energy of a coiled spring and is expected to be the most agile. The achievement in collection is the ability of a horse to store its energy in the hindquarters.

In extension, the horse stretches its head and neck, and increases the length of its stride to the fullest. Steps should cover as much ground as possible but maintain the same rhythm as before. The ultimate achievement in extension is teaching the horse to remain fully balanced, meaning it reaches further but still carries its neck and back in an elevated frame.

The mastering of true collection and extension is not easy. For many horses, it can take years of training.