ANIMATED GUIDE TO DRESSAGE
The piaffe
Betsy Steiner and Metternich |
The piaffe is a trot performed nearly on the spot. It requires the utmost collection and engagement from the horse, and is required only at the highest levels of international dressage competition. |
| This animated .gif shows Metternich, a Holsteiner stallion, moving from
the collected trot to the piaffe. Notice the extreme amount of flexion in
the joints of his hind legs and the marked lowering of the croup.
While it is apparent that Metternich is moving forward during the piaffe, this is desirable -- the horse is to give the impression of remaining on the spot, and should proceed slightly forward during the piaffe. This animated clip was chosen more for its demonstration of the bending of the hind leg joints and lowering of the croup than for its "in-place-ness." To see a finished, on-the-spot piaffe, see the animated .gif of Anky van Grunsven and Cameleon Bonfire. |
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