Quiet Riding

"I think that beginners should not ride with a double bridle, and that it is better for them to use an ordinary snaffle, with a rein in each hand."

"The only horses beginners should ride are those which have easy paces and very good tempers."

"A man whose movements on horse-back are stiff, may remain on the outside of his mount, but does not ride him."

"A horse will never tire of a rider who possesses both tact and sensitivity because he will never be pushed beyond his possibilities."

"More often than not, it is we ourselves who keep a horse from performing an exercise correctly..."

"Horses who have bad characters are rare; generally their vices are the result of inexpert handling by riders lacking in experience."

"...riders seem to forget that the basis of the horse's schooling is given by constant transitions and variations between gaits."

"To make a positive start, it should be impressed upon riders from the beginning that training the horse on classical precepts requires a thorough understanding of the basic laws of gravity and locomotion."

"A rider who thinks he can ride without having to study will fail."

"In the early lessons, the rider should be encouraged to concentrate on the feeling of the horse moving beneath the saddle and how best they may remain over that movement."

"One they understand what the horse is doing, riders are encouraged to become aware of their own seatbones..."

"From day one it should be clearly pointed out [to riders] that the horse relies upon us for his balance just as much as we rely on him."

"Too many riders do not understand that it is impossible for the horse to carry out even the most simple manoeuvres easily if we are seated in the wrong place."

"Riding is a continuous process where you become proactive with the movement. Don't follow the movement, stay over it..."

"As far as riders are concerned, what they need most, whether for jumping or for dressage, are first and foremost a pair of eyes on the ground and someone who is capable not only of being able to correct their horses but, more particularly, who is able to spot and correct the riders' own mistakes."