Yes, Romy and Volker,
there seems to be no question which movement is what we are after. (perhaps that is unfortunate choice of words - i know you are not "after" anything you guys, just welcome it if it happens
)
But the question is how?
For it is the "dominant" horse that expresses himself in the Haute Ecole way, as you put it Volker.
Yet I want the horse (more so than you guys) to follow, to move with me, following my suggestions. And yes, I would say submissive. And I am sure there are other threads on this forum dealing with the submissive/dominant words... I think the bigger problem is semantics and what those words mean to each one of us. So let's leave it be for now - In my way of being with my horses, I call it submission, but willing, respectful (from both sides) submission.
I think the word that is important in this video (and with horses always) is dignity. Klaus Hempfling has been mentioning this so much lately... And it's not only leaving the horse with his dignity, but increasing it somehow.
I get glimpses of these kind of postures from the horses when we work. And there is an element of challenge in them. Which I do not perceive as "questioning my authority" in any way, rather (and I hope to be correct) as responding in a dignified way.
I would love to understand more about the horses way of expression. I mean they didn't really fight, yet from one moment to the next, the dominance relationship changes completely.... I think we go to true strength, inner power and dignity here.
For anyone following Klaus and his characterization in the book "What Horses Reveal" - Will is by far the stronger horse. In fact Special has not acted like this before - I think part of it is that he got stronger through training with me. - or maybe he just got older... who knows. But if I had any part of this, I am happy and proud.
I want all my horses to develop into horses like these!
The other question this brings is about male vs female horses. For the High School work, anyway. I think it takes a rare mare to express herself in these ways by herself - without training. Natural behavior for a mare is either to kick or not. There is very little posturing.
well, these are my thoughts for now