The past few years have been busy and successful ones for Karen Pavicic of Surrey, BC. Last year she represented Canada at the World Equestrian Games and she now has her sights firmly set on qualifying for the 2016 Olympics after what is shaping up to be another fruitful winter season in Wellington, FL. Whether riding her grand prix mount Don Daiquiri, or working with young horses just beginning their dressage careers, Pavicic focuses on responsiveness during every schooling session and suggests you should, too, no matter your discipline or level.

Responsiveness means that the horse is “on the aids.” The horse should demonstrate a soft chewing mouth, stay in front of the rider’s leg, and be supple through the back and body. When horses are truly responsive they are “through,” giving the rider the feeling that they could do anything with ease and without any resistance.

In the dressage ring, responsiveness relates specifically to the collective marks under submission and will be evident at every level. For example, a horse at training level will be asked for less demanding exercises than a grand prix horse, but the submission mark is still worth the same amount. If a horse is truly responsive, regardless of the level, the performance will look and feel effortless.

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