If we want to become competent riders we have to be in control of our own bodies. We have to take the time to develop a good seat and learn to use our body parts independently from each other. Regardless of our age and physical ability, we owe it to the horses to master the technique of an independent seat. We cannot expect our horses to dance fluently underneath us, if we don't have the freedom in our own bodies to move with them. It is also our job to be the leader in the dance and proper understanding of our basic position and mastering the technique of guiding them clearly is of utmost importance at all times. We can achieve that body control through lessons on the lunge line, no stirrup work and constant observation from a teacher on the ground to bring to our attention to things going wrong. The use of video is also a wonderful tool to help us master that very difficult task of an independent seat at all three gates.

When we come to the barn to play with our horses we must leave the stresses of our day behind. We need to just to focus completely on the task at hand and be aware enough throughout our ride to use the tools we need to have our horse preform to the best of its ability. We cannot be thinking about our grocery list, the fight we had with our partner this morning or the weird corner in the arena our horse likes to spook at. We must be present and focus only on the task at hand at that moment and the onus is on us to have our horse perform to the best of its ability throughout the ride on that day. Horses can have off days too, we need to be aware of their body and mind as well. Is there a tightness somewhere? Are they comfortable with the work at hand? The only way to tune in to all the subtleties of the animal, we must quiet our minds enough to be completely present with them. We can achieve the mind control by spending time grooming our horse before the ride, just sitting with them for a moment, being aware of our own breath, our own thoughts, finding tools to quieten our thoughts and just to be present with them at that moment.

Horses are sentient beings with a sixth sense that is second to none. They function in the moment and don't understand negative emotions. They are so attractive to us because we get a little glimpse into that way of being when we are with them. With our busy lifestyles and modern technology we, as a human species, are searching for ways to relax, ways to reconnect to nature, ways to feel good and find balance in our lives. How many of us are on anti depressants, use alcohol or drugs for an escape from busyness, have our children or ourselves labelled by the medical system with this or that disorder. When all the answers are right there in front of us, if we just take a moment to be with our horses. They don't understand all our issues and problems. They just want to be approached with integrity and no hidden agendas on our part. They don't care if we had a bad day and have no time. They need us to be listening, right there with them, allowing them to mirror our thoughts and emotions. We need to allow them to be our teachers.

Until we can master the balance of body, mind, and spirit with our horses we will not be able to master the art of classical dressage.