Impulsion

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Impulsion can only occur if the horse is coming properly up through his back, as seen here.

Impulsion is the pushing power (thrust) of a horse, which comes from his desire to move powerfully forward with energy. However, speed does not create impulsion, and a rushing horse is more likely to be "flat" than impulsive. A horse can only have impulsion if his hind legs are engaged and his elastic back allows the power to come through.

[edit] Purpose of Impulsion

Impulsion is judged in dressage, but is also very important in the jumping sports, because good impulsion allows the horse to power himself over higher and larger obstacles. Horses jumping with poor impulsion are less likely to jump clean, and in extreme cases may hit the obstacle and fall.

Impulsion is important in dressage, not only making the horse's gait more elastic, light, and expressive, but providing the animal with the power needed to preform the required movements. This is especially true for those requiring collection, such as passage, piaffe, pirouette, tempi changes, and the collected gaits, as well as the extended gaits.

[edit] Prerequisites

Good riding is needed to create impulsion in any horse, although some horses may be built in such a way that they can more naturally create impulsion (such as those with an "uphill" build). The horse must be forward, yet relaxed, and coming correctly "on the bit" by coming up through his back. Additionally, he must be straight, with "throughness." The rider should use correct driving aids, and contain the energy created by the engaged hind legs.

Impulsion only occurs in the trot and canter—not the walk—because it is associated with the moment of suspension found in these two gaits.