7 Steps to a Better Ride

STEP 4 – SCHWUNG! TRANSLATION PLEASE

By Deborah Hopkins

When third level certified coach Peter Hick explained the fourth step in the seven principles of Classical riding, he hesitated a moment, then he laughed and simply said, “Schwung! I don’t know an English word for it”.

I suppose the closest English word for “schwung” is “swing”, but further discussion with the German born equestrian revealed that “buoyancy”, “panache” and “spark” were better translations for the word.

Momentum, oomph, pizzazz – all these words, and more, begin to describe the German word, “schwung”. Whichever word you prefer, one thing for certain is that “schwung” is achieved by getting the horse moving from the hind quarters. According to Hick, “You have to get the machine running from the back”.

Once the weight of the horse starts to shift to the hind, the effect is felt up over the horse’s back through to the poll, resulting in a lightness and buoyancy that can be felt in both the rider’s seat and ring finger. This is the point at which athletic accomplishment can begin in earnest. As Hick explains, “Rhythm and relaxation are the mental prerequisites for work. Schwung is the physical (prerequisite)”.

Next Post: Step Five – Staying on Track