Description
Book SynopsisThis book is about developing that 'perfect understanding'. Whether you practice dressage, hack, event or show, the improvement of your horse through an understanding of 'his' language, should allow him greater ability and confidence in all your work together. The aim of The Balanced Horse is to confirm in people's minds what they should be doing for each request, and what they must avoid. The author abhors the use of force and gadgetry in the schooling of horses and believes classical riding is the best way forward for all the disciplines.
Trade ReviewSylvia Loch has written much about the art of dressage and the Iberian breeds. Indeed her book
The Royal Horse of Europe is perhaps the most definitive work on the Iberian horse.
The Balanced Horse is another well written book from the Loch stable. It is a book about communication – communication between horse and rider using a clear dialogue of subtle, almost invisible aids of the seat, leg and hand. But the author has used her communication skills one step further to convey this knowledge to the reader in, as Carl Hester says in his foreword, 'a user-friendly way that will help any rider at any level'. This is a book, not only for the rider, but riding teachers and judges would also benefit from the advice it contains. -- Patrick Print
In her new book,
The Balanced Horse, author Sylvia Loch...confirms what equestrians should be doing and what they should avoid when it comes to each and every request they give their horse. Intended for those seeking the elusive art of riding versus competing, this valuable resource will help equestrians develop a better relationship with their horses.
Renown in the classical world for her teaching, this book continues the marvellous work Sylvia has done bringing her love for the Iberian breeds and her steadfast belief that the language of the aids should be more thoroughly understood...to all who are prepared to take the time it really does take to produce a horse which can be ridden in the lightest and most harmonious way. -- Wendy Parsons
Table of ContentsTitle Page Dedication Illustration Credits Epigraph Foreword by Carl Hester MBE Why I Wrote this Book Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Balance Questions and Answers 2. The Aids for Impulsion Forward and Straight 3. Rein Aids Ask and Give; Direct Flexion and Stretch 4. The Role of the Inside Rein and Inside Leg Lateral Flexion and Bend 5. The Role of the Outside Rein Engagement and Co-ordination 6. The Role of the Outside Leg Engagement and Canter Transitions 7. The Weight Aids of the Seat Collection, Halt, Half-halt and Rein-back 8. The Indirect Aids Shoulder-in, Travers and Half-pass 9. Changing the Balance Lengthening and Extension 10. Refining the Weight Aids Flying Changes 11. The Higher Airs The Aids of the Upper Body; Piroutte, Piaffe and Passage 12. One-Handed Riding And Finessing the Reins 13. Perfect Balance in All Things Thoughts for the Future School Exercises Chapter by Chapter References Index
