The Balanced Horse: The Aids by Feel, Not Force

Description

This 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.

Sylvia Loch discovered classical High School riding in Portugal. In 1984 she founded the Lusitano Breed Society of Great Britain and was awarded an Honorary Instructorship by the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. She trained with Former First Chief Rider of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and founded The Classical Riding Club in 1995.

Sylvia 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