When Two Spines Align: Dressage Dynamics: Attain Remarkable Riding Rapport with Your Horse

About this book

Within riding there exists a fundamental conflict of interest: The rider needs to have controlher confidence depends on her ability to control the balance of her own body as well as that of her very powerful horse. The horse by nature needs to feel freefree in both mind and body to express himself through physical movement. In When Two Spines Align: Dressage Dynamics author Beth Baumert writer and editor at the internationally recognized equestrian magazine Dressage Today resolves the freedom-control enigma by taking a close look at the individual components that make up riding and dressage. Beth provides insight gleaned from years of working with the best riders trainers and judges in the dressage world and details practical ways riders can learn to harness the balance energies and forces at play when theyre in the saddle. Readers will discover how to use positive tension and what the author calls the four physical PowerlinesVertical Connecting Spiraling and Visualto become balanced and effective in the saddle. Readers will then find ways to understand and manage the horses balance and coordination challenges including the fact that he is inherently crooked and naturally inclined to do too much with his front end and not enough with his hind. Ultimately the rider learns to regulate and monitor the horses rhythm energy flexion alignment bend the height and length of his neck and finally his line of travel by properly aligning her spine with his. When the center of gravity of a balanced rider is directly over the center of gravity of a balanced horse that place where two spines align becomes the hub for rider and horse harmonya dynamic and remarkable riding rapport that yields beautiful performance.