Impulsion in dressage describes the powerful thrust from the hindquarters that propels the horse forward. However, there is more to it than this. Real impulsion is determined by the horse's desire to move forward, the elasticity of his steps, the suppleness of his back and the engagement of the hindquarters. In a word, impulsion is controlled, forward energy. Some horses are naturally more energetic than others. Nevertheless, no matter the type or breed of horse, you can enhance impulsion, or ruin it, if you're unconscious of how it works.