Ralph-Michael Rash – as reported by Alison Head

            I found much that I agree with in the article entitled “Promoting Excellence.”  For example Mr. Rash said “the horse should not put more weight on his forehand when asked to move forward.” Instead he said “A correct half-halt does not pull the horse down but instead increases his balance, freedom, and self-carriage.”

            When my students start out learning to ride The System, if they have tried “overbending” their horse to gain control, they tend to become concerned if the horse happens to come above the contact. According to the article, Mr. Rash points out to his students that coming above the contact is not something to be concerned about as long as they try to follow the contact while continuing to ride forward. This is exactly what I tell my students, and so far it has worked for every horse.

            According to Mr. Rash, forward is not just tempo, but is “engagement of the hind legs.” This is also something that my students know, and is one of the goals of The System. Mr. Rash tells his students “not to ride so forward that the horse loses his balance.” I see at times in the warm-ups at shows, and have to bite my tongue to keep from interfering with some of the young riders who have yet to learn how to properly balance a horse, engage the hindquarters so that the horse gains impulsion, is soft in the trot, and beautiful to watch.