Understanding Collection and Why We Ask For It.

In true collection, the horse is required to shift his centre of gravity to the hind limbs, which should be well placed under the body. In doing so the pelvis tucks under, the spine raises and the horse has the freedom to ‘lift’ through the withers and out of the base of the neck. The deep neck muscles that carry out this action allow the superficial neck muscles, from withers to poll, to relax a fraction allowing the nose to drop to the vertical. In this instance, the spinous processes separate reducing the risk of impingement whilst allowing the small multifidus muscle that stabilise the spine to build. The core stabilising muscles such as abdominals, psoas and gluteals are able to develop which further supports the lower limbs and the spinal column.
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