Dressage classical training methods were refined for centuries as it is evident from the book of a Greek general Xenophon(ca. 400 B.C.) To ensure that classical principles adhered in our present day, a Dressage Training Pyramid or Training Scale, evolved. Those steps are interrelates and are a general guidance of the correct development of the dressage horse. The correctly developed musculature protects the joints, tendons, and ligaments and contributes to the horses's longevity.

Dressage Training Pyramid

1. Rhythm (Takt) - with energy and tempo
Rhythm is a sequence of footfalls and timing of a pure walk, pure trot, and pure canter. Rhythm should be expressed with energy and suitable, consistent tempo.

2. Relaxation (Losgelassenheit) - with elasticity and suppleness
Relaxsation is a mental and physical state of a horse. Horse accepts rider's aids, moves with supple back, and can bend through the body, lengthen and shorten his strides willingly.

3. Connection (Anlehnung) - acceptance of the bit through acceptance of the aids.
Fluent interaction between the horse and rider with appropriate response from the horse. Chewing the bit, moist mouth are good signs of elastic contact.

4. Impulsion (Schwung) - increased energy and thrust.
Eager, energetic, yet controlled thrust generated from the hindquarters. Horse's desire to carry himself forward, suppleness of his back and engagement of the hindquarters necessary for development od medium paces.

5. Straightness (Geraderichtung) - improved alignment and balance
A horse is straight when when the footfalls of the forehand and the hindquarters are appropriately aligned on straight and curved lines. By nature every horse is crocked: hollow on one side and stiff on his other side. Horses use one side of their body differently from the other one, just like people. With gymnastic dressage exercises, horses develop their symmetry, becoming straight.

6. Collection (Versammlung) - increased engagement, lightness of the forehand, self-carriage.
The horse shows collection when when he shifts his center of his mass backwards, on his hind end. That results in the light contact and increased mobility of the forehand. Horse lowers his hindquarters and appears to be more uphill.