impulsion

Question
hello ma'am, i didnt understand what does impulsion mean in english riding terms, can you please explain me in simple terms?

Answer
Impulsion is "controlled energy".

If a horse is not responding to his rider's legs, if his gait and tempo are slow and lacking, then he does not have impulsion.

I think that there is natural impulsion, (a horse trotting in a field with beautiful movement) and impulsion that a rider helps a horse obtain. If you ride and train correctly, you will help a horse with his impulsion and it will not be forced.

If a horse is racing ahead, pulling on his rider and a bit out of control and too fast, I do not consider this impulsion. It is not controlled...the horse is not responding to the rider's aids.