No Middle Ground in Riding Horses

Yes, it certainly is possible to drift through all your riding days with nary a thought to how your horse is moving. There are many people far and wide who either choose to ignore their horse's "way of going", or are truly ignorant of the differences in the horse's movements. They are also likely unaware of the implications of their lack of attention.

There really are only two possible results to riding:

1) Improve the horse.

2) Harm the horse.

The unfortunate news is that there is no middle ground between the two.

Either you are contributing to the proper development of the horse (physically, mentally, emotionally) or you are causing damage. Unfortunately, the path to damage isn't always obvious or easily identified.

However, deterioration of the horse can become evident to the educated eye; you just need to know how to spot the clues and draw accurate conclusions in order to know what to do about it.

But the message here isn't about what NOT to do. Instead, the idea is to learn, develop, try and keep working at it, especially when the going gets tough. Don't obsess over the "damage"; rather, take note and change what you are doing.

How to spot the "healthy" horse

When observing the horse without tack, you will notice:

- a short coat with a glowing sheen (assuming the horse is already brushed and clean);

- a soft, almost slippery feel to the coat when you pet the horse (the coat feels "alive");

- evidence of good foot care and saddle/tack fitting;

- a bright, alert, even sensitive, inquisitive demeanor;

- a good appetite, rare to no bouts with stomach problems (and colics);

- when standing still, without tack, the back appears "rounded" in his top line muscling (rather than a flat back or having a sway in the middle of the back);

- a muscled hind end that is filled out in the hamstrings.

Under saddle:

- is free moving and willing to stride out;

- rarely missteps or trips up in either the front or hind end;

- round, rolly-polly croup (behind the saddle) with hind legs reaching deep underneath the body;

- looks "filled out" in the front (thick neck muscles, swinging shoulders) as opposed to lean, thin and awkward-looking in the head to neck to shoulder area;

- appears confident in the rider, rarely pinning the ears or swishing the tail.

Good (a.k.a. responsible) riders are constantly looking for ways to improve their riding, and how their horse uses its body. If nothing else, the main goal of riding is to improve the horse's weight-bearing skills.

Proper movement leads to increased circulation in the horse's musculature, joints and skeleton. Good movement leads to good health and longevity in the horse - something all riders should be aspiring toward.

Don’t miss a single issue of Horse Listening! If you like what you are reading, become a subscriber and receive updates when new Horse Listening articles are published! Your email address will not be used on any other distribution list. Subscribe to Horse Listening by Email

New! Horse Listening – Book 2: Forward and Round to Training Success

Available as an eBook or paperback.

You might also enjoy:

Too Good to be True? Finding Your Horse’s “Happy Place”: Did you know that through riding, you can help your horse achieve a happy, content outlook on life? Sounds ridiculously far-fetched? Too good to be true?

What You Ought to Know About Instant Gratification in Horse Riding: Do you expect riding to come as easily as other sports?

Top 10 Ways to Reward Your Horse: A happy horse is a willing partner, and many horses will give everything they have if they feel your acknowledgement and generosity of spirit.

Speaking “Horse” (a.k.a. “Pushing the Envelope”): Horses send messages out as much as humans do. Once you know how to listen to your horse, a whole world of communication can open up for you.

Olympics on the Mind – A Personal View

Traditionally, I've always felt a strong affiliation with the idea of the Olympics and Paralympics, mostly because of my love for sports in general, and especially for the determination and perseverance that I know athletes must have to pursue in order to be at the top of the world in their skill area.

I am also fully aware of the business that IS Olympics, the political repercussions, the expenditures that could be so needed in other areas and the big business behind it all that is interested only in the bottom line (as evidenced by the Duracell "sponsorship" in the videos below).

Having said all that, the allure of the Games is nevertheless attractive and appealing. The simple fact that venues such as the Olympics and Paralypmics feed the dreams and aspirations of athletes to push themselves to the limit, not only physically - but mentally, emotionally, financially and probably in many other ways that we, the audience, can only begin to understand - is what draws me to take the events so seriously.

We see the moments of the main event, but there is so much more that goes into the day-to-day, year-to-year path.

Having ridden (literally!) side-by-side with some of the top riders in my area, I have seen the regular effort, persistence, and sometimes downright stubborness that is essential to get back on the horse (pun intended) - all to culminate in this Olympic "dream" that they are now a part of.

I watch and marvel at the perseverance of people who touch me at the core of my being because of their:

- tenacity.

- determination.

- and probably most importantly, because of the disciplined raw energy they put into their chosen field of endeavour.

It makes you think, what would the world be like if everyone put just a percentage of that intensity and devotion into something we feel equally attracted to?

Don’t miss a single issue of Horse Listening! If you like what you are reading, become a subscriber and receive updates when new Horse Listening articles are published! Your email address will not be used on any other distribution list. Subscribe to Horse Listening by Email

If you enjoyed the above post, you might also like:

A Recipe for Living: If life were a recipe, what would it look like?

Softly Determined – A Poem: I found this one on the Internet long ago, with no indication of the author. However, it has stayed with me, blending intensity with passion, being so eloquent and yet knowledgeable about the “path”.

Starting to Breathe Again: Written before Hickstead’s untimely passing, this post described what it felt like to watch his $1 million CN International winning round.

Because of Horses: What has changed in your life because of horses?

Now For Something Completely Different…

I've been working on my writing the past few days. The following short piece was inspired by a writing "practice" (find it here) - basically, the idea is to write about anything for fifteen minutes. So that is what I did. I wrote just whatever came to mind. Of course, you will notice there is a horse theme to it, but the result is very different from what I usually write on this blog.

I know the ideas are not developed at all, but I thought I'd post it here and see what you think of it. I'd be interested in your comments!

________

Looking deeply into her eyes, I could see the trail of contentment that led into her innermost being. She looked intently at me, piercing gaze drifting deep within my soul, challenging me with new thoughts and ideas that weren’t my own.

“Why can’t we all get along?” was her first question.

I looked at her blankly, unsure of what to say.

Should I tell her about the separation of ideologies, the drifting apart of social norms that cast their members into straight jackets bent on stifling thought and action and connection?

Should I elaborate on the division of countries, of conflict, strife and ultimately, war?

Need I discuss the value of the dollar – the ultimate currency that slowly has transformed into a symbol of the very life we cherish, admire and grasp tightly to our chest?

Or should I mention the angst-ridden routine of everyday life, waking, working, watching television, sleeping, then waking to resume once again?

She shook her head and snorted, her gaze leaving mine.

My answers were left to ruminate over for another day.

Turning away, idling along, she took one last sideways look at me, and slowly headed off to the green grass of the pasture.
.

How Do You Know Your Horse Is Using His Back?

First off, (from our last post) why even bother?

Let's face it: we see many people riding their horses with sunken backs, disengaged hind ends, and heavy footfalls. If they do it, why shouldn't we? Are we being conceited, ostentatious, pompous or pretentious?

Are we simply just too picky?

No, it's none of the above.

It's because we care.

Enough.

To put in the work.

Because it's a fact: learning to feel the back of the horse, especially in movement, is not for the weak-hearted.

It requires hours of dedicated practice, oodles of lesson dollars, numerous requests for forgiveness from the horse, and perhaps most difficult of all, countless adjustments to our internal neural pathways, both physical and mental.

Is all this worth it?

OF COURSE IT IS!

In the long run, our primary motivation for self-improvement in riding is for the sake of the horse's health. We want horses that live well, staying strong and vigorous long into their old age. And a horse that uses his back is carrying the rider's weight to his best advantage.

Feel it.

The active back feels loose, bouncy, rolling, supple. It feels like the horse is having an easy time carrying your weight. He is less on his front legs and more on the haunches.

He gives you the impression that he can stop on a dime or turn on a thought. He is forward, active and content. The energy from the hind end easily flows through the shoulders and you notice larger, longer strides, and bouncier, more active gaits.

If you have trouble loosening enough to sit the normal trot, (you might be shocked to discover that) with some horses, you might have even MORE trouble riding the trot if he's using his back. This is because the horse's natural gaits become amplified when the back moves freely and it might be more difficult for you to stay with the loftier movement. You'd be better off posting so that you can encourage your horse to keep his soft, active back.

The same is true with the canter - the strides are more exaggerated and you feel more swing in the ride. Be prepared to let your lower back flow with the activity - anything less and you'll be stifling the horse's enthusiastic offering.

Basically, if you feel the gaits getting bigger, rounder, and bouncier, then you know you are on the right track!

The Tight Back...

... feels just that - tight.

... restricts the movement of the legs.

... creates short, choppy strides that lurch and jerk.

... prevents establishment of a good forward-flowing rhythm.

... causes the horse to move on the forehand, taking the brunt of the concussion on the front legs.

... can be the culprit behind sore backs and "mystery" lamenesses.

The irony is that the horse can appear to be more "comfortable" to ride, in that the movement is smaller and shorter and thus easier for most riders to follow. If you think your horse feels smooth and comfortable, consider whether or not the smooth feeling is caused by the horse locking his back and preventing movement. Your first clue will be in the size of the stride - if it is a short stride, particularly in the hind legs, then the horse in NOT using his back.

One last secret: the horse's back is often a reflection of the rider's back. If the rider is tight and short in her movement, the horse can't help it but stay tight and short. Just make sure you don't override the horse and swing too much through your back. The happy medium with tone and swing is where it's at - even for the rider!

It might take many months of finding the "feel" in your back and then learning to maintain the required movement just to allow your horse's back the freedom to swing and let the energy through.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening Book 2 - Forward And Round To Training Success

Stop printing off the articles! Your favorite training articles are compiled in this beautifully bound paperback book. Have everything at your fingertips - this book can be taken to the barn as a quick refresher or leisurely read at home.

Signed Author Copies available - they are perfect gift for the rider in your life!

From the book:

"Regardless of discipline, what would be the most significant effect a rider would want to have on her horse?

We all want our horses to improve in their athletic

development, skill acquisition and connectedness. Much of our rider development and training efforts go into working toward our show or personal goals....

But the best riders aspire to do one essential thing each and every day, regardless of goals and lesson plans: they work hard to improve their horse’s way of going.

Because proper balance and weight carriage is essential to a horse’s longevity. Each and every minute of each and every ride has the potential to contribute to your horse’s health and well-being.

Or not."

Just as with all the Horse Listening Collection Books, this book is focused on helping the rider improve for the sake of the horse. But this book goes deeper into the best training articles from the blog - horse-centered theory, strategies and ideas you can try with your own horse.

The book begins with the horse's hind end (!), considers the horse's back, moves on to rider development, and fills it all in with the fundamentals of horse riding so your horse can be:

happier in his body

happier in his "work"

better balanced all-around

Available in digital or paperback versions.

Ten Truths of Equestrianism – Reblog from @SnarkyRider

This post resonates so clearly with Horse Listening, that we'd like to reblog it here too. Thanks to Snarky Rider for pointing me to the article. Enjoy!

If you like what you see, go check out the website. P.S. The picture is mine!

Guest Post: Ten Truths of Equestrianism

Today’s guest post comes from our good buddy Quill!

———–

Ten Truths of Equestrianism: Are You Really Fit For Horse Ownership?

1. Upon seeing your first horse, you will acquire a hopeless and obsessive love for them. Be prepared to loose any and all shelf space as horse books, models, and movies fill every square inch of available storage space you have left. You will need every one of these to learn about the vast horse world and the complicated process that is horse-care. Horses are not like dogs and it takes far more than tossing them some food and filling their “water bowl” up to keep them happy and healthy.

2. Finding your perfect horse is going to be a long and difficult process. It will be like trying to decide if a man is the one you want to marry and spend the rest of your life with after only one date. In some cases only by looking at pictures and videos sent to you through email. Do not be in a hurry to find your new partner. Do not fall for flashy colors or fancy breeds. A well broke, older bay Quarter Horse is going to be better for you as a first horse than a big, young, and flashy Warmblood.

3. You will no longer have any money. Between vets, boarding/property maintenance, farriers, food, equipment, medicines, ect, you will be spending a lot of money. Horses are an expensive luxury. If you plan on breeding or rescuing, those prices will shoot even higher. As my instructor once said “If you have a ton of extra money, you’re doing it wrong.”

4. When you begin riding and handling a horse, you are placing your life and trust in the hands of a thousand pound, generally untrustworthy animal. With a well-trained horse and proper handling and riding skills, the danger you face can be kept to a minimum and you can enjoy a safe riding experience. But horses are still prey animals, and when they are scared the last thing they will be thinking about is where your toes are. This is a fact you accept when you begin handling horses.

5. The horse is doing the same with you. They are placing their trust in you to care for them and not to hurt them. They are allowing you on their back – a place that would be a death sentence in the wild. Do not take advantage of that, do not betray that trust and abuse your horse, whether it be by not giving them care or causing them harm. This is how many good horses are ruined and end up on a plate in France.

6. You will never be truly clean again. There will always been that last bit of barn dirt beneath your nails. The smell of hay and sweaty horses will forever linger around you. Your barn clothes will always have horse hairs weaved into the threads.

7. You will fall off. A lot. Falling is part of riding and it’s never a good thing. With the proper riding skills and safety measures, you can minimize your chances of having a fall. However, you will fall eventually and it will not be the only time. Don’t try to keep track of how many times you have fallen, you will eventually loose count.

8. You can’t be afraid to discipline. While you should never abuse your horse by beating it for discipline, giving it a firm smack on the shoulder and either growling or giving a firm ‘No!’ when it bites at you is not going to be considered abuse. Do not punch your horse in the face, do not kick their legs, do not yank violently on their mouths.

9. You must learn to speak ‘horse’. You must learn to read their body language from their ears to their tail to understand what they are trying to tell you and what they are feeling. They can’t understand you, nor can they answer you if you ask “What’s wrong?”. When a horse pins his ears, he’s telling you he’s angry. When he keeps his head low, and acts mopy, he may be feeling ill. You have to understand all of these cues to safely work with your horse and catch when there might be a problem and a vet should be called.

10. After spending years forming an unbreakable bond with your four-legged partner, your soul will be mercilessly crushed when it come time to say that last good-bye. Do not sell your old horse or dump him at an auction so you don’t have to deal with it. Do not say ‘Do it while I’m away.’ Be by his side. He has been your friend, your teammate and your greatest teacher. No matter how painful it is for you, do not send him on his final journey alone.

Frame, Round or Collection?

Palgrave-2 — Round - note the deep stepping hind legs, lightly lifted back, and general forward flow to the movement.

Which shall it be? Do you know the difference, and in a pinch, would you be able to identify it in a moving horse? Better yet, can you feel the difference when you are riding?

We use these words all the time. We "frame" our horse, we get him to "round" and we regularly work on "collection". But often, although we're sure we are working on something, we don't really know what to call it. We throw the words around randomly, seeking to describe the feeling we know exists, but not knowing the nuances between the three.

To be perfectly honest, many of our horses are rarely, if ever, collected.

(Click here to tweet that if you agree.)

These words are not interchangeable.

The three terms are distinct in meaning, appearance and feel. Knowing the difference between them helps you to distinguish between the level of engagement your horse is working at.

The "Frame"

Simply put, a horse is "framed up" when it is travelling in a pre-determined outline.

There may be the high frame, which essentially means that the neck is higher than the withers, and there may be the level frame, where the neck is at the height of the withers. In either case, the frame is usually being held in place by rein action (the hands). In comparison to no frame at all, riding in a frame might feel more comfortable and easier on both the rider and the horse.

The dilemma is that regardless of the placement of the head and neck, the back continues to be hollow and the hind end is disengaged. The horse moves on the forehand. The hind legs do not track up to the front footprints, and the front legs stride larger than the hind legs. Often, this body position is held in place by the hands. There is little or no release of the reins and the frame is being protected by a backward pressure that traps the horse's front end and restricts the hind end.

The best giveaway to a frame is that the horse falls out of the frame - either farther forward on the forehand, or the head and neck arches up and the back hollows even more. The claim to fame of the frame is that it does not maintain itself without either constant pressure from the hands, or momentary "jerks" on the mouth to communicate to the horse that it should keep its posture in place.

"Round"

A horse travels "round" if there is a certain level of engagement from the hind end. The hind legs reach further forward underneath the body, and the hind stride length approaches the same distance as the front legs. Due to this reach, the hind end dips down slightly while the front end levels out or rises slightly higher than the withers. A round horse is bearing its weight more on the hind end, freeing up the front end to be more expressive and fluid. The rider's weight is carried more evenly with a mildly lifted back.

A release of the reins allows the horse to stride "forward" toward the contact. There is a better sense of freedom in movement than in the framed up horse. To be round, the horse must be "on the bit" (go here for an excellent description),"on the aids" and moving with better "connection."

"Collection"

Typically, horses in collection move up and down more than forward, so collection is desired especially in events such as reining, western trail and dressage.

In dressage, collection is the highest level of training for the horse. In other words, travelling while collected is difficult and requires a sophisticated level of balance, mental/emotional control, and understanding from the horse. The collected horse has developed the strength to tilt the haunches so the hind legs are far underneath the body, and the front end (head and neck included) are at the highest point. The horse moves in an "uphill" manner.

Collection is achieved primarily by the seat and legs. The hands are the last to act, and ideally, serve to "catch and recycle" the energy produced by the seat and legs. The horse is not kept in place - the collected appearance is the result of the activity of the hind end. Let go of both reins, and the horse should stay in collection for several strides.

"Collection itself, however, is a state attained only after many years of patient, systematic, gymnastic work, which is made evident in a shorter, higher, rounder, more active stride. It is to be attained solely through greater balancing of the horse on the hindquarters, based on forward impulse - and not merely by shortening up the horse from the front. The horse's motion must remain forward, fluid, and energetic, and must always continue to show the correct footfall in all gaits. The hallmark of true collection is a clear lowering of the croup, brought about by the deeply bent, engaged haunches that carry more weight." (Herbermann, 1999, p.67)

To be perfectly honest, many of our horses are rarely, if ever, collected. Much of the time, we are working in a degree of roundness - whether more or less round - rather than in collection.

All this talk begs the question:

Why bother?

That shall be a topic for another day!

Reference:

Herbermann, E., (1999). Dressage Formula, Third Ed., J.A.Allen, London. p.67

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Available as an eBook or paperback.

If you enjoyed the above post, you might also like:

From A Whisper to A Scream: How Loud Should Your Aids Really Be? Should we be “loud” in our aids, or should we be working as softly as we can in hopes that our horse can respond to lighter and more refined aids?

When Do You Start Riding Your Horse? This question was being posed to me by a very respected and horse-wise mentor.

Do You Make This Timing Mistake When Riding Your Horse? The timing of the aids has to do with everything.

When “Good Enough” Just Isn’t Good Enough In Horseback Riding: Hate to tell you this, but you DO have to get out of your own back yard!

14 Reasons to Love Horseback Riding

First-Trail — Special things you get to experience only when you ride

Many horse riders will tell you about this feeling of "freedom" that you gain from the top of a horse's back.

There must be hundreds of reasons why people enjoy horses and horseback riding. Here are a few experiences you will be privy to once you step into that stirrup for the first time:

14. Really, truly "interact" with the great outdoors. Feel the air, smell the foliage, see nature's beauty, AND get to travel through it all with your favourite four-legged friend.

13. Develop your sense of body awareness. Can you feel your arms/legs/core/SEAT in any other endeavor the way you can when you're on a horse's back? There is no other situation quite like being on a 1000-pound animal progressing through space and time, while you are considering what your various appendages are doing. THEN there is the rider's "seat" to keep in line...!

12. Become fitter and more athletic. It will happen organically and by necessity. There is no way around it - ride regularly, and you will find your body becoming more agile, able and yes, even fitter. Ride several times a week and discover all the glamorous physical by-products!

11. Discover "balance" in more ways than one. Of course your sense of balance will develop while you struggle with the power of gravity five feet above the ground. However, you will also discover the other balance truths - such as balance in feeding versus not (!), rest versus activity, shelter versus the great outdoors, and following versus resisting.

10. Develop new "nerve endings". Regular riding will begin to point out to you areas in your body that you might not have been particularly aware of before. Feel your fingers develop an alertness that will allow you to distinguish between "give" and "release" - even while you keep your fists closed.

Discover the nuances between lower legs that "wrap" around the horse versus the legs that grip and clench. Most incredibly, wait for the day that your seat can essentially communicate your very thoughts - with minimal use of the hands and legs - to your majestic beauty as he glides over the ground beneath you.

9. Be a witness to physical "power" like never before. The movement of a horse can at times be exhilarating, or at times downright nerve-wrecking, but the power cannot be contested!

8. Enjoy graceful connection with a horse. There is simply no other feeling like it. A horse is not the same as a dog, cat, or other domesticated animal. Try it one day - you'll understand what I mean.

7. Have something to talk about that most people don't relate to! Unfortunately, you will notice that most people in your life will "turn off" within the first five minutes of your description of that fantastic new feeling you discovered the other day while riding. Accept this as a normal side-effect and enjoy the few who relate to your descriptions even if they have never experienced it themselves.

6. Find parts of your character that needed to be improved. Invariably, you will discover characteristic traits in yourself that you never knew existed. Then, you will realize all the reasons why you must develop these qualities and continue your self-development toward becoming a better human being.

5. Opportunities to go places you wouldn't go otherwise, and meet people you would never have met. These days, horses and horseback riding can lead you far and wide and connect you to people from all over. Make new friends, travel to distant locations, and enjoy the most beautiful spaces on earth simply because you follow horses to new and unknown places.

4. Make new friends who share your passion. The love for horses spans across countries, personalities and cultures. Other people who are passionate about horses can be found almost anywhere you go - and the bond that connects is universal.

3. Move your body in a way that promotes health and well-being. From grooming and tacking, to walking around in the fields, to the physical movements your body "receives" while riding - these are all specific to the sport and otherwise not always accessible.

2. Learn important life "truths" for your equine friend. Listen to horses to find out all about relationships, leadership, social skills, communication. This list is endless and if you can "hear" clearly enough, you will find many facts that transcend from the equine to the human.

1. Borrow a sense of freedom otherwise not available to mere humans. Many horse riders will tell you about this feeling of "freedom" that you gain from the top of a horse's back. Challenges, whether physical, mental, emotional or social are almost literally dropped to the ground the moment your seat is placed into the saddle that graces that horse's back. There is nothing else like it in this world.

Why do you love horseback riding?

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Personally signed books available! Give the best gift for the horse lover in your life (or for yourself!

). Send me a message for more information.

From the first book in the Horse Listening Collection: Horse Listening, The Book

"There are many reasons why we enjoy riding horses. Maybe one of the most appealing facets of riding is the sense of freedom: freedom from our own limitations, freedom from gravity, freedom to (literally) roam the Earth. Time stands still while we have the privilege of feeling movement from the back of our four-legged friend.

Riding gives us the place to just be.

Of course, there are other purposes too. Some of us revel in the challenge of learning the skills required to becoming a good team member of this unlikely duo. Riding is like no other sport or recreational pursuit simply because of the equine partner that must not only carry us, but also do so effortlessly and gracefully. As we develop our specific skill sets, we also grow as human beings in character, emotional maturity and mental acuity.

But there is one other motivation that drives some of us to persevere in the never-ending learning process that is horseback riding: improving the horse. As your own skills develop, you begin to realize that not only can you meet your own needs through riding, but also that you can even become an instrument of benefit for the horse."

And so begins the book that reflects the most important learning I have had in all of my riding years: that I want to be the best rider I can be for the sake of my horses.

This book is geared toward the rider:

- the rider's motivations

- the essential skills for the rider

- some specific strategies

- solutions to common problems

- and the results: the great horsey moments we get to experience

Along the way, you will find chapters that discuss everything from the seat to the leg aids to the reins, discussions on half-halts, imbalance, halts, straightness and more!

Special in this book are the "In The Ring" sections that give specific suggestions based on the preceding chapters. Take these to the barn to try with your own horse!

Available as an eBook or paperback.

Listening Corner – The ‘Art’ of Riding

Theme: The 'Art' of Riding

The concept of riding as an 'art' is mentioned in many writings, both recently and historically. When does riding transform from being a purely physical endeavour based on skills and technique, to "sculpting while progressing through space?" (de Kunffy, 1992, p.3)

Many authors have grappled with the topic, explaining from their perspectives how riding can transform the rider and the horse, taking them from mere 'performance' to the higher heights of 'artistic' accomplishments. We know 'art' when we see it - the performance transforms from just plain effortless and technically correct to evoking an emotional response, moving us in the depths of our beings and reminding us why we are so enthralled by the power and magnificence of the horse.

Below are four excerpts from writers and organizations, written as recently as 2006 and dating back to 1967. Although they are sourced from the discipline of dressage, all types riding have the potential to make us admire the horse and rider, giving us the goosebumps reserved only for the awe-inspiring few.

Not for nothing do we speak of the 'art of riding'. Not many riders are skilfull enough to train different horses, with their varied physiological and psychological features, to the highest level of difficulty.

As well as extensive experience, the rider should have a sound understanding and a 'feel' for equine nature and behaviour. He must be constantly 'listening' to the horse and should see training as a joint venture, a collaboration between rider and horse....

A horse which has been trained systematically, logically and consistently, and with the necessary tact and sensitivity will obey the aids willingly; in fact, it will enjoy doing so. It will have confidence in its rider. Novice, excitable, timid or nervous horses improve noticeably, during the course of correct training, in their willingness to accept and allow themselves to be 'framed' by the aids, and they become more and more confident and steady under the rider in unsettling situations.

German National Equestrian Federation, Advanced Techniques of Dressage, Kenilworth Press (Reprinted 2006) p.26-27

"The art of riding", this concept is on everyone's lips, but what exactly is the art of riding? Is it an art to ride horses or an art to train horses to the highest level of education? No, the art of riding lies very much deeper than that. It starts with where I handle my horse and how considerately I handle my horse.

A sign of a talented rider is that he thinks like the horse, he knows the ways a horse thinks and reacts.

The art of riding lies in being able to understand and see through the cause and effect of everything you do. This manifests itself in the correct way of caring for and managing the horse, and the sympathetic way in which a horse should be trained, without generating bad experiences.

The horse as a living being should be a cheerful collaborator and partner, not a disgraced object that is discarded in the corner after use: therein lies the art of managing horses and training them successfully.

If you abide by these rules when you work with your friend the horse, he will in return be a joyful companion that will be eager to do anything for you. What is more, the horse will most probably educate you more than you could ever wish to teach it in return: matters akin to compassionate love, sensitivity and humility. These are the most significant human virtues necessary in order to work with horses for them not to lose their grace and beauty.

Alfons J. Dietz, Training the Horse in Hand: The Classical Iberian Principles, The Lyons Press (2004) p.10

As the artist must know what he wishes to convey by his completed work and the workman must understand how best to use his tools, so must the rider have an exact knowledge of his aim and the ways and means to obtain it.

The object of the classical art of riding is to train a horse not only to be brilliant in the movements and exercises of the High School, but also to be quiet, supple, and obedient, and by his smooth movements to make riding a true pleasure. This clearly shows that in every kind of riding we strive for the same objective. Whether it is a dressage horse, a jumper, a hunter or charger, he should always be quiet, supple and obedient. These qualities are the basis for every kind of riding. Performances of the greatest brilliance can be built up only on this foundation.

A successful teacher must have a thorough knowledge of his pupils. The rider must know his horse physically as well as mentally. He should have not only a thorough knowledge of the horse's anatomy and of the functions of his joints and muscles but also be able to understand his feelings and anticipate his reactions. With this knowlege he will ensure that his horse enjoys his work and does not become sour.

Alois Podhajsky, The Complete Training of Horse and Rider: In the Principles of Classical Horsemanship. Doubleday & Company, Inc. (1967). p. 29

The Portrait of a Well-school Horse

Lifting and putting down his feet in a regular pace, with lightness and steadiness, the horse moves well forward on the track, going freely and willingly without haste or disturbance. His neck arches well in front of the rider with a supple poll. The position of the head is such that the line of the face remains a little in front of a vertical line drawn to the ground. The ears will be at their highest point, neither pricked forward nor laid back, but revealing by their natural position the horse's attention and obedience to the rider's will.

The eyes, full of confidence, are turned in the direction of the movement, the mouth is closed but wet, indicating that the horse is chewing the bit without grinding his teeth...

The rider, by sitting quietly and comfortably, proves how much he feels at home on his horse and how pleasant his movements are, and yet the horse is full of impulsion. Every step and every bound is brought about by the hindlegs springing energetically under the body and bent well in their joints....

Horse and rider seem to be one being. They form a well-balanced entity, a living work of art, showing the beauty of life, with harmony of form, and graceful movements which at the same time are both energetic and precise.

Franz Mairinger, Horses Are Made to Be Horses: A Personal Philosophy of Horsemanship. Howell Book House (1983). p127-128.

Reference:

1. de Kunffy, Charles. (1992). p. 3. The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse. Howell Book House, New York.

What are your thoughts about the 'art' of riding?

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