Impulsion is the pushing power (thrust) of a horse, which comes from his desire to move powerfully forward with energy. However, speed doesn't create impulsion, and a rushing horse is more likely to be "flat" than impulsive. A horse can only have impulsion if his hind legs are engaged and his elastic back allows the power to come through. Definitions There are competing definitions of impulsion. The USDF defines it as "Thrust. Releasing of the energy stored by engagement." The classical dressage… (More on Impulsion)