Balance in Movement

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Describing how riders can control their movements to achieve a uniquely efficient system this internationally acclaimed book will enhance the performance of every horse and rider - whatever their standard. Already established as a classic work Balance in Movement has now been completely revised and extended by the addition of more advice maxims and exercise ideas as well as 200 new photographs and illustrations providing riders of all levels with an essential and highly practical guide to acquiring a perfectly balanced seat.

1 Study of Movement and Riding

• Learning about movement; ideally like a child
• The training of the rider

2 Physiology of Movement

• Joints – where the movement takes place
• Musculature – how movements are executed
• The nervous system – how movement is organized

3 Pelvis – Center of Movement

• Fundamental principles of anatomy
• Body proportions and individual build
• Anatomy you can actually touch – palpating your own body
• The position of your pelvis in the saddle
• Feel, practice, improve
• Balancing the pelvis with the movement of the horse

4 Centre of Stabilization – Upper body and head

• Fundamental principles of anatomy
• Body proportions and individual build
• Anatomy you can actually touch – palpating your own body
• The ideal posture of the upper body and head in the dressage and forward seats
• Feel, practice, improve
• Exercises on the horse

5 Centre of Independence – Shoulder girdle and hands

• Fundamental principles of anatomy
• Body proportions and individual build
• Anatomy you can actually touch – palpating your own body
• Arm and hand position in the dressage and forward seats
• Feel, practice, improve
• The independent hands of the rider

6 Centre of Balance/Suppleness – the legs

• Fundamental principles of anatomy
• Body proportions and individual build
• Anatomy you can actually touch – palpating your own body
• The ideal posture of the leg and foot in the dressage and forward seats
• Feel, practice, improve
• Exercises on the horse

7 Perfect Body Coordination – Application of the aids

• Effect and influence of the rider’s weight on the back of the horse
• Fluid transitions and interplay between the dressage and forward seats
• The rising trot – a difficult balancing act
• The rider as indicator of the horse’s movement
• The secure seat
• The secret of ‘bracing the back’
• Driving and restraining aids
• Inside and outside aids

8 Problems – Causes – Corrections

• Balance problems
• Asymmetry
• Stiffness
• Slackness
• Pain
• Thinking

9 How the Horse Reflects the Rider

• Parallels between horse and rider
• Fun for horse and rider
• Work on the tensions of the upper body
• Looking down at the horse
• Crooked rider, crooked saddle, crooked horse
• Crookedness in the forward seat
• Problems with turning
• Bracing the back
• Problems with eagerness to go forward