How to work on collection

Definition of Collection: Collection is a tempo within all three paces in which the horse shortens its steps etc. and begins to use its hindlegs more, so that the frontlegs can be raised more. In addition to that, the horse gains more expression. The highest form of collection is the piaffe.

How to : 

Collected walk:

Firstly, shorten your reins. After that begin to sit much more quietly, but don't forget to use your legs! Your horse will go to your hand, so that you are able to controll its hindlegs and to shorten its steps. Please don't forget to give away the reigns sometimes. If your hands are too strong, your horse won't be able to do it right and may gets too tensed.

Collected trot:

Basically, it's just the same as in walk. You shorten your reins and at the same moment you use your legs to get your horse forward, so that its hindlegs get activated. This 'Teamwork' from activity, interception and letting go goes through the whole progress of collection and leads to a dance lookalike trot.

Collected canter: 

As with the other paces, it is also an intensification of the previous aids. The external thigh of the rider keeps being at its place behind. The rider sitting a bit more on the inside and tries to get deeper in the saddle. Now, you shorten your reins and use your inner thigh and the outer rein. At the beginning, You can also wide your hands, If your horse gets strong or too high with his neck.