As per discussion with Maria (have to give credit where credit is due!), I see great balance-- he is in "neutral," and he and his horse appear to move effortlessly, fluidly, lightly. I am fascinated by how he guides the horse by turning his upper body and by directing his eyes. I am also interested in how the balance does not change frequently-- he is not changing positions of his horse or himself-- the horse's shape does not change. Could he maintain the beautiful balance and flow and change the shape? More to say along these lines, but unsure of how to say it.
The development of extreme collection in a very small space is remarkable. At first, I felt claustrophobic watching it but, as I watched it repeatedly, I was more and more struck by the supreme clarity of the aids for desired movement. The balance of the "4 corners" staying level and then growing more and more uphill as the session progressed is extraordinary. It is such a graphic example of the ability of the rider to separate and coordinate the body from/with the legs (of the horse). Cantering backwards! What that must feel like to ride! The preparation for some of the turns into the wall also is amazing. He maintains a light and somewhat forward seat for the extreme collection which is fun to watch with the use of his upper body for the directional changes of the the horse's front quarters. The horse stays so stable in the neck and back throughout the ride. Wow!
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As per discussion with Maria (have to give credit where credit is due!), I see great balance-- he is in "neutral," and he and his horse appear to move effortlessly, fluidly, lightly. I am fascinated by how he guides the horse by turning his upper body and by directing his eyes. I am also interested in how the balance does not change frequently-- he is not changing positions of his horse or himself-- the horse's shape does not change. Could he maintain the beautiful balance and flow and change the shape? More to say along these lines, but unsure of how to say it.
The development of extreme collection in a very small space is remarkable. At first, I felt claustrophobic watching it but, as I watched it repeatedly, I was more and more struck by the supreme clarity of the aids for desired movement. The balance of the "4 corners" staying level and then growing more and more uphill as the session progressed is extraordinary. It is such a graphic example of the ability of the rider to separate and coordinate the body from/with the legs (of the horse). Cantering backwards! What that must feel like to ride! The preparation for some of the turns into the wall also is amazing.
He maintains a light and somewhat forward seat for the extreme collection which is fun to watch with the use of his upper body for the directional changes of the the horse's front quarters. The horse stays so stable in the neck and back throughout the ride.
Wow!
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