Schooling develops the horse physically and mentally to the point where the horse performs efficiently and is pleasant to ride. In short, schooling improves the horse's athletic development, teaches the horse signals, obedience and cooperation, therefore enhancing performance. A. Levels of Schooling Littauer set up three classifications of control to describe stages of training for the horse as well as the rider. The elementary level means authority over the horse through quick and efficient control.
Emphasis is placed on teaching the horse obedience.
The rider's goal is to ride on loose or semi-loose reins, teaching the horse to respond to the elementary control techniques described below. The elementary level is used by beginning riders while developing their positions and by intermediate and advanced riders when schooling or re-training horses. Gaits - the horse should be working toward stabilization or when teaching beginners, the horse should already be stabilized. The performance is strengthened by the rider's ability to create impulse and connect the horse' s movement through use of contact. Emphasis is placed on a cooperative effort between horse and rider.