perfect piaffe

THOUGHTS ON THE PIAFFE


Why are we so anxious and concerned about the movement called "piaffe"?

What is its role in the system of horsemanship we call dressage?

Why do we so often see such travesties of this exciting and graceful movement, even at international level?

I believe part of our concern with piaffe is that it is one of the most testing airs at Grand Prix level. To get a good result, everything must be correct on the day. Balance, energy, obedience, suppleness, strength, elevation, elasticity and cooperation with the balanced, relaxed and responsive rider must all be working perfectly to commence, maintain and complete a good piaffe; which lasts for only a matter of seconds in competition.

A different view suggests that piaffe is the bridge between groundwork and the airs above the ground. Piaffe grows from collected trot, and develops to levade, and thence to courbette, ballotade and capriole! Any weakness in the early training of the horse and, or rider is likely to affect the piaffe.

As in all skilled performance be it music, the visual arts, writing or dressage; perfect training and development of technique is as important, and as necessary as inborn talent and the personality and bodily construction, in order to come close to perfection. Currently GP dressage seems to need a horse with the characteristics of a TB and one of de la Gueriniere\'s Neapolitans; great strength, with delicacy and refinement; enormous courage and personality, coupled with sensitivity and obedience. This is a big ask, and few horses (or riders) can meet it.

Another major area of difficulty is training. Many horsemen are naturally brilliant and tend to have missed (skipped) the basic training. Without the basics it is very difficult to realise and understand what the underlying precepts and skills are for any movement or sequence. Sometimes these underlying structures are difficult to perceive. E.g. in very small children one of the necessary attributes to develop good movement is good eyesight. Good vision endorses the sense of balance, judgement of distance and space; important for horse and rider. Appropriate tactile input as a baby or foal is needed to enhance the overall development of the nervous system, as well as encourage sensitivity to touch and pressure. Riders and trainers need to spend much time thinking , "Why am I doing this? How can I do it better? What is essential to this movement, and what can I leave out? What does this particular horse/rider need? How can this be done with more relaxation?" As we find partial answers to these questions, so we gradually move closer to the beginning of our quest for harmony, simplicity and quality of performance.

Everyone; riders, trainers, grooms, instructors and judges, need to discover the route back to the beginning. The process of learning, although it follows broad, basic patterns, is different in detail for every horse, human, and combination of the two.

Coordination, balance and relaxation form a trilogy. Horse and rider help or hinder each other towards this freedom, which enables impulsion.

This search, in love, is never-ending; but full of fascination!

(par gillian Hensler)