Introduction to the training tree for horse and rider

            There are a few different training trees out there...the original origin unknown or controversial at best. Dressage originated in Europe and the word itself is French for "training". It was a discipline created and implemented by the calvary to manuever in battle, evade and intimidate the enemy. Held in high regard by those who understand it Dressage is the basis for every discipline and sets the horse up for success by teaching it to carry itself in a way that will maintain its soundness for a lifetime. By those who do not understand it it can be misused, perceived as forceful and cruel, or boring. As with anything in human life there are politics involved. Certain practices such as the use of auxillary reins are looked down upon. Rollkur is practiced by some. Some trainers wear whips and spurs on every horse, ride in a double bridle as soon as they can, and never take it off. Some people such as the master Reiner Klimke only used it at competitions. I myself have seen horses trained and schooled in the high level movements in a snaffle bridle.
             Excellent Dressage doesn't come from luck, equipment, or magic fixes. It comes from self discipline, empathy, hours of practice, use of the training tree and proper biomechanics. You have to make mistakes, practice humility, and learn from your mistakes.
             I have seen a few training trees that I like. In my opinion you could use just about any one of them but deciphering a training tree without enough experience with people already practiced in its use. As your education grows your understanding and definition of the training tree as well as common terms (such as "forward" or "through") will evolve. There is a training tree comprised of interlocking circles used in "Training the modern showjumper" by Anthony Paalman that I really like. The German Training scale used by the German Federation of riding is the most universal. The scale that I implement for horse and rider are created by Meredith Manor International Equestrian Center. Here is how it goes from top to bottom, like the foundation of a house.

Collection
"On the Aids"
Impulsion
Suppleness
Balance
Straightness
Contact
Freedom of Gait
Rhythm & Relaxation

I would also like to add a root system to the tree that includes;

Respect
Trust and Communication
The well being of the horse (Chiropractic issues, soundness issues, teeth, proper conditioning and nutrition, turnout)

Not only does the horse have a training tree- but so does the rider.

Influencing
Application of Aids
Coordination of aids
Balance (Using positive tension)
Following the Motion
Relaxation

        Learning to be a beautiful and effective rider takes years of experience, hours of dedication, a string of good horses you can ride consistently and an experienced instructor with the incentive to make you work independently one day. The rider will spend hours on the lunge line developing an independent seat by first riding with no reins, no stirrups, then lunge over obstacles, cavaletti, and on an incline. The rider will then take back the stirrups and reins and learn to ride with them correctly to make sure everything learned on the lunge line carries over. Then the horse and rider will begin to ride free, ride outside, and progress up the levels with the assistance of an experienced trainer and hours of practicing the right things.
        It is of the utmost importance that the rider learn to have a nearly perfect seat and intelligent gentle hands. The horse will mirror the rider so if the rider is crooked or has poor balance given the opportunistic nature of the horse- it will reflect this balance through its own body and way of travel. We need to learn to be one with our horses. This is where some of the magic begins to shows up in Dressage, even at the basic levels. When your body parts are in all the right places, your joints are moving just enough to absorb the motion of the horse, when your feeling, recieving, and sending energy to your horse and you implement the training tree along with a good training plan- you can take the most average horse and transform it into a thing of beauty whilst becoming a part of a process that is liken to enlightnement itself.

"The mind is everything. What you think you become"
-Buddha