The 9 year old stallion Woodlander Rockstar is working between Small Tour and Big Tour, which involves greater collection and learning piaffe and passage. Before working on the two P's, however, Maria warms up with the help of her father and trainer Ferdi. Focusing on suppling Rocky's back and engaging the hind quarters, Ferdi says "always ask, is this my rhythm or his?" Working in a slower and faster rhythm and moving sideways for gymnastic training (rather than test training) helps to bring Rockstar's body under complete control and for Maria to be in charge of the balance using her seat aids. (Piaffe and passage training follow in another video.)
