The horse is one thing, the rider another. However, before the following summary on equine locomotion, followed by details on human/equine correlations and the rider's role in equitation I would like to present a vision, which - informed by repeated observations and my own experience - may provide an escape from the labyrinth, which the modern horse’s warp so often creates. Speaking of equitation, as it may have been - originally.
Anyone who had the opportunity to ride and observe horses at liberty regularly and over long periods of time will readily agree that training involves but three simple steps. The rider must employ a body language, which the horse understands spontaneously. He must seek to inspire its trust. Appropriate training routines will develop fitness and cooperation.
In keeping with these ideas the choice of posture, balance, performance and all else concerning the equine body may as well be left to the horse's discretion. An innate logic in its body will automatically work towards the second gear. But one thing may delay this progression: the horse’s warp. This warp may, as it stands, be equalled by warps in the rider's body.
Even the novice horse’s lack of submission presents no problem, because physical factors such as the permanent closure of the croup, the inner hind leg as it steps under the center of weight and corresponding changes in the equine nervous system rule this submission. For indeed, performance and submission are linked in the horse's body. By the same token the rider uses these elements of equitation to make the warped horse straight.
Experience confirms that young mounts trained according to these principles assume the traveling position and do well as long as they are permitted to carry their heads freely. They must be allowed to open or close their polls as mood, terrain and/or activities demand. They will change to the extended position when they get tired, in the process dropping head and neck to stretch the muscles of the back. They will bend in the ribs in working position and become more pliable, wiser and able to handle themselves in all sorts of exercises and figures.
Horses trained according to these principles quickly rediscover their abilities and power. As soon as they have overcome the initial stress of carrying a rider and getting straight, they change to performance position and initiate the second gear. While raising head and neck they elevate the forehand and liberate the shoulders. They enter a state, which feels divine and non-the-less is clearly indicated in their physiology.
And then the horse is progressively enabled to produce the powerful paces, turns and jumps we see them perform at liberty in the field, only now at the rider’s service and under his full control. I must admit, while writing this paragraph I get excited. As any rider will, who has experienced the light horse in second gear. Somehow a corresponding lightness and sense of empowerment stimulates the rider.
