Unless otherwise noted, all quotes on this page are the work of Lesley Stevenson. Please ensure proper attribution when sharing. Thank you!
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On the meaning of the phrase "Having the horse between the hand and leg" -- "When I close my leg, the result is a change from potential energy to kinetic energy. When I close my hand there is enough kinetic energy to balance back into potential energy."
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In all situations, and at all levels, riding in rhythm gives the horse confidence.
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"A horse with good foot work will rarely fall. A horse who is not given the chance to practice that footwork because he is always brought to the right spot will come big time unstuck when the s*** hits the fan and the fallible human on top gets it
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"The horse must collect as a result of many transitions, not because the rider’s hands have asked for collection. Lots of transitions – that is what gets the horse’s hind legs underneath him." ~ Christoph Hess
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"I make my students ride in gallop position in trot and canter with no rein contact and no hands on the neck, as there is no point in trying to progress until a good balance is in place. It is a great concern to me that so many riders
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Generally, the slower you are approaching a jump, the more leg you may need to apply in the final strides.
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"One of the goals of dressage is to recreate the natural beauty of the horse’s gaits under the rider, so that the horse moves as beautifully under the weight of the rider as he does at liberty. In order to achieve this, the swinging of the horse’s
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Always introduce new exercises in a slow and progressive manner, so you are building confidence and not inviting problems.
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For success in learning to ride, as with most things in life - talk less and listen more.
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Always finish an exercise with a proper transition to walk, don't just fall into a heap.
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Think of riding your downward transitions in an uphill manner, so that the horse’s poll comes up as his croup lowers and his hind legs come under his body.
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"Mental and physical suppleness, together with obedience, give us a submissive horse—or one that is willingly cooperative." ~ Johann Hinnemann
