Editing Dressage (section)

=== Impulsion (''Schwung'') ===
[[File:2011 FEI 112.jpg|thumb|upright|An upper level dressage horse at the [[canter]]]]
The pushing power (thrust) of the horse is called [[impulsion]], and is the fourth level of the training pyramid. Impulsion is created by storing the energy of engagement (the forward reaching of the hind legs under the body).

Proper impulsion is achieved by means of:
*Correct driving aids of the rider
*Relaxation of the horse
* [[Throughness]] (''Durchlässigkeit''): the flow of energy through the horse from front to back and back to front. The musculature of the horse is connected, supple, elastic, and unblocked, and the rider's aids go freely through the horse.

Impulsion can occur at the walk, trot and canter. It is highly important to establish good, forward movement and impulsion at the walk, as achieving desirable form in the trot and canter relies heavily on the transition from a good, supple, forward walk.

Impulsion not only encourages correct muscle and joint use, but also engages the mind of the horse, focusing it on the rider and, particularly at the walk and trot, allowing for relaxation and dissipation of nervous energy.