4DimensionDressage

4DimensionDressage

4DD is a respectful and friendly way of handling and training, in which responsibility is taken for the horse's well-being at all levels.

This method takes into account the injury-prone body parts of the modern sport horse. 4DD was developed by veterinarian Karin Leibbrandt, based on years of rehabilitation experience. To determine the best training system for a sustainable sport horse, Karin spent years training and educating specialists and trainers worldwide. She combined conventional and alternative veterinary medicine with training. Furthermore, she applied rehabilitation training and core stability in humans to horses, thus selecting the most relevant and effective techniques.

4DD combines insights from equine rehabilitation with the best of (classical) dressage, (natural) horsemanship, and recent scientific insights from biomechanics and physiology. The approach is designed without coercion or high pressure; the horse remains mentally and physically relaxed throughout all levels of training.

If anything is off in the horse's balance, posture, and movement pattern, it has consequences for the horse's health. From topline problems to lameness. Karin researched how a horse can be fully biomechanically balanced and brought this together in four dimensions. During the development of the system, it became increasingly clear that proper training is paramount.

The 4 dimensions

To maintain its balance, the horse must be able to coordinate itself in four dimensions. That is, four directions. Besides the horse, the rider must also be able to coordinate themselves and have control over their body. The rider must be aware of their own posture, seat, energy, intention, and state of mind. A horse follows the rider in all areas.

Which 4 dimensions are we talking about?

1. The vertical plane (vertical equilibrium)

2. The horizontal plane (horizontal equilibrium)

3. Lateral flexion (length bending)

4. The direction in the diagonal plane.