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.

"This is a much needed book on the Weight Aids which should be close to the heart of all who teach and coach riding." - Patrick Print OBE FBHS This book is designed for all riders from the very novice to the most advanced. Sylvia Loch teaches through illustrations and photos how each tiny shift of the riders weight will affect the horses balance. The weight aids are generally taught only to higher level students especially those learning the more advanced skills. Yet, by including them from the beginning, novice riders will develop a much greater understanding of their own bodies and abilities and those of the horse from day one. In Sylvia's words...: The time has surely come to show all riders how their body-weight impacts on the horse for good or bad. Feel and balance should govern the whole ethos of equitation. In this book, I show through pictures how the giving of the aids can transform the horse in each and every movement so that our communication with this wonderful animal takes us to new levels of understanding and empathy. The Rider's Balance is well written and easy to understand, and is yet another classic riding book from one of Britain's leading classical riding advocates, Sylvia Loch.

This audio lesson begins by exploring the concept of opening up the body with simple exercises on the ground. These exercises free tension and help the rider to appreciate the upward (core) support of the back and abdomen in order to achieve a balanced position. Once accomplished, the rider's weight may flow freely and centrally downward via gravity, uniting the rider with the horse. The feeling is encouraged furing the warm-up so the rider remains in good balance to free the horse's back. The main portion of the lessons deals with the school figures, to emphasize the importance of stretching, suppling, and bending; transferring weight to the haunches; lightening the trot; and promoting overall engagement of the horse in all gaits. The tape provides a very good workout against a supportive musical program for any horse and rider working at any level. A refreshing way of introducing a more thinking approach to general schooling.