Equestrian art is the perfect understanding and harmony between horse and rider
Nuno Oliviera
What does it feel like to achieve harmony with a horse? The horse going with lightness and balance, and our body moving along in synchronisation – this is the most profound and beautiful outcome of many, many, many (did I say many enough times?) hours of patient and diligent training.
After some time of concentrated practice, we might flirt with fleeting moments of harmony; still what a thrill! Our understanding will compound as we go through layer and layer of learning, revealing such treasures about our sensitive equine companions.
Baby steps are the royal road to skill.
Daniel Coyle – Author of The Talent Code
Developing ourselves is an activity within the stretch zone. We must take steps to get out of our comfort area and to see with fresh eyes. It is both physically and mentally testing. In the process, with attentiveness, we can also recognise the habits and triggering thoughts of the past in order to discard and improve as we forge new ground.
The horse, also, is conditioned as they have been. We need to accept them and equip them to rise to the challenges that we present them in our human environment. We need to teach our equine partners the skills to carry us lightly and willingly without a struggle to maintain their balance.
There is one principle that should never be abandoned, namely, that the rider must learn to control himself before he can control his horse. This is the basic, most important principle to be preserved in equitation.
Alois Podhajsky
Kahu Creek Ranch 