Training for Soundness: Classical Principles and Modern Biomechanics
- Kalisa Jenne-Fraser
- Nov 16
- 3 min read
Good training should make a horse stronger, sounder, and happier—not just more obedient. At Seven Hills Training, my approach to riding and rehabilitation follows this philosophy, combining the wisdom of the classical masters with the practical system of the German cavalry (HDv 12) and the anatomical insight of modern biomechanics.
The goal is simple: help each horse use its body correctly so it can move freely, stay comfortable, and enjoy its work for years to come.
The HDv 12: Classical Principles in Motion
The HDv 12, or Heeresdienstvorschrift 12, was the German cavalry’s 1937 training manual. It wasn’t written for show horses—it was designed for cavalry mounts that needed to remain sound, strong, and rideable through demanding work.
Its key principles still hold true today:
Train from back to front. True balance begins with engagement from the hindquarters, not restriction in the hand.
Every exercise should gymnasticize the horse. Movements strengthen, stretch, and coordinate the body when used thoughtfully.
Collection is the outcome, not the starting point. Rhythm, relaxation, contact, impulsion, and straightness come first; collection appears naturally from balance.
Rider position and feel are essential. Quiet hands, a supple seat, and independent aids create clear, kind communication.
In many ways, the HDv 12 described applied biomechanics decades before that language existed. It was, at its heart, a manual for keeping horses healthy through correct movement.
From History to Modern Science
What the cavalry observed through experience, modern biomechanics now explains through anatomy. I have been riding with Dr. Gerd Heuschmann for more than a decade, and his insights have helped me understand why those classical principles are so effective. His research shows how proper posture, especially activation of the long back muscles and stability at the base of the neck, prevents the compensations that often lead to body or rein lameness.
This validation from veterinary science reinforces what generations of riders already knew: correct, systematic work protects the horse’s body and mind.
Putting Principles Into Practice
In daily training, these ideas come to life in simple, consistent ways:
Systematic progression. I follow the structure inspired by the HDv 12’s training scale—rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, collection—always adjusted to the horse’s individual stage and ability.
Gymnastic work for soundness. Transitions, lateral movements, and stretching are chosen for their physiological benefits, not for how they look.
Balance through posture. Training from the hindquarters forward builds strength and prevents strain in the forehand.
Ridden rehabilitation. Horses recovering from pain or unevenness often struggle with balance and straightness; returning to these fundamentals helps restore correct, comfortable movement.
“The purpose of training is to make the horse more beautiful, stronger, and more enduring — never to break its spirit.” HDv 12, 1937
Training for the Whole Horse
Whether I’m helping a young horse find balance for the first time or supporting one coming back from discomfort, the goal is always the same: develop movement that supports the horse’s body and settles its mind.
When we train in alignment with the horse’s anatomy and natural rhythm, we build strength without resistance, confidence without tension, and performance without compromise.
That’s what training for soundness truly means.
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