Number one - in any equitation - is the horse's health; for obvious reasons. Number two is leadership (making sure the rider is the leader!). Of all possible engagements with the horse serious play is the most pleasant. It entails fairness, sympathy and full attention on both parts.
We live in a less than perfect world. No wonder most horses, leave alone riders lack perfect health. Often good health management must substitute for perfect health.
Leadership comes in many forms. A gentle mare gladly submits, a boisterous male may seek a partner. A suffering horse may not trust the rider; leave alone engage in any fair communication. To discern the state of leadership and implement it - particularly with suffering horses - requires knowledge, know-how and good will. It demands commitment and the rider's ability to share time.
Mounting and directing a horse with ease is many a man's profound dream. It requires self-confidence, leadership qualities and a simple set of signals. These qualities make for happiness, not only in equitation. They are a source and inspiration for hope. Their possession is the result of unwavering pursuit.
The horse is peaceful. If in danger it flees. It is equipped with fast forward movements. Equine metabolism supports traveling long distances without special training. The horse moves continuously while grazing.
On this basis study-horsemanship communications in the saddle begin with standing still and slow movements in all direction. They continue with walking at all angles on straight and curved lines. Followed by small strike-offs in the trot and the canter. A door opens when horse and rider are in balance. When they communicate and their wills have joined, the world lies at their feet.
Major trap on the way to this bliss is the horse's warp; often equalled by the rider's want of uprightness and even-sidedness. Ongoing devotion and some patience may be required to effect the horse's equilateral uprightness, flexibility and freedom.
The terms "correct", "classical" and "healthy" denote but one thing. They point at a perfect potential in the horse. This potential can and in fact must be addressed to produce a healthy, willing and cheerful horse.
